Author
Richard Lydekker
1849-1915
Richard Lydekker (1849-1915) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
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Books by Richard Lydekker
Hertfordshire
"Hertfordshire" by Richard Lydekker is a geographical account written in the early 20th century. The work explores the county's physical characteristics, history, and natural features, providing an informative look at the region's development and significance over time. With detailed analysis and illustrations, this publication aims to give readers a comprehensive understanding of Hertfordshire's landscape, geology, agriculture, and its historical context. The opening of the book sets a foundational tone, emphasizing the importance of understanding geography through the lens of local history. Lydekker begins by delving into the etymology of Hertfordshire's name and its designation as both a county and a shire, discussing its origins from ancient Anglo-Saxon times. He explains how historical governance and land divisions have shaped the current understanding of the region. Furthermore, the early chapters hint at a rich exploration of Hertfordshire's landscape, agricultural practices, and demographics, establishing a framework for the subsequent detailed discussions that follow in the book.
Animal portraiture
"Animal Portraiture" by Richard Lydekker is a scientific publication written in the early 20th century. This work features a collection of exquisite animal illustrations by Wilhelm Kuhnert, accompanied by original articles that delve into various species' characteristics and habitats. The aim of the book is to combine art with zoological insight, capturing the essence of the animals depicted. The opening of "Animal Portraiture" introduces the majestic lion, providing a detailed description of its physical attributes, habitat, and behavior. Lydekker explains the significance of the lion’s mane and its role in the animal's dominance and appeal. The text discusses the lion's historical range, emphasizing its connection to Africa while also noting its existence in parts of Asia. This section not only showcases the lion's status as a powerful predator but also touches on its interactions with prey and other species, setting the stage for a broader exploration of animal life found within the detailed studies that follow.
A Trip to Pilawin, the Deer-park of Count Joseph Potocki in Volhynia, Russia
"A Trip to Pilawin, the Deer-park of Count Joseph Potocki in Volhynia, Russia" by R. Lydekker is a historical account written in the early 20th century. The book provides a detailed exploration of Count Potocki's efforts to establish a wildlife preserve for various species of deer and other big game in the region of Volhynia, emphasizing the naturalization and breeding of these animals in a setting reminiscent of their original habitats. The narrative recounts the author’s journey to the Pilawin preserve, describing the beauty and diversity of the forest, the challenges faced during his travels, and the numerous species of deer being introduced to the area, including elk, wapiti, and bison. Lydekker highlights the unique conditions within the preserve that promote the well-being of the animals, in addition to detailing his encounters with the wildlife amidst the stunning natural backdrop. The book not only serves as an account of Lydekker's visit but also as a testament to early conservation efforts, showcasing the importance of creating spaces for wildlife that mimic their natural environments.
Sir William Flower
"Sir William Flower" by Richard Lydekker is a scientific biography written in the early 20th century. It profiles the eminent comparative anatomist and museum reformer Sir William Henry Flower, tracing his path from a nature‑obsessed boy and army surgeon to Conservator of the Royal College of Surgeons’ museum and Director of the Natural History Museum. The work highlights his research on mammals (notably whales), his anthropological studies, and his pioneering ideas on museum display and scientific nomenclature. The opening of the book sketches Flower’s early life, self‑propelled love of natural history, and medical training, followed by his Crimean War service and return to London, where he combined hospital duties with research, married into a scientifically connected family, and began publishing. It then moves to his decisive shift from medical practice to the Royal College of Surgeons, his rise to Hunterian Professor, and his growing public presence—honours, society leadership, and advocacy on animal welfare and conservation—alongside a portrait of his character and final years. The narrative next details his museum achievements: enlarged and clearer human anatomy displays, exemplary preparation and mounting of skeletons, a comparative “homologous bones” series, and catalogues that integrated recent and fossil material, together with firm, commonsense views on stabilising nomenclature and resisting needless generic splitting. His Hunterian lectures—on mammalian osteology and dentition, cetaceans, digestive organs, and the physical anthropology of diverse peoples—are summarized, including the influential textbook that grew from them. Finally, it introduces his Directorship of the Natural History Museum and the creation of the educational Index Museum with realistic taxidermy, lucid labels, and distribution maps, and signals his push to bridge the divide between biology and paleontology, leading into his reorganisation of the mammal gallery.