Author
Th. (Theodor) Zell
1862-1924
Th. (Theodor) Zell (1862-1924) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
Books by Th. (Theodor) Zell
Unsere Haustiere vom Standpunkte ihrer wilden Verwandten
"Unsere Haustiere vom Standpunkte ihrer wilden Verwandten" by Th. Zell is a scientific publication written in the early 20th century. The book explores the behaviors of domestic animals by drawing comparisons with their wild ancestors, aiming to deepen the understanding of how domesticated pets operate in relation to their instincts and the natural world. The opening of the work presents an introductory foreword that sets the stage for the exploration of pet behaviors, particularly focusing on how common actions of pets—like barking or eating—as derived from their wild counterparts are not fully understood. The author seeks to make these observations more relatable to the reader, especially children and urban dwellers who may feel disconnected from nature. For instance, the narrative begins with a description of a dog named Peter, who exhibits typical canine behaviors such as barking at a cyclist and indulging in scavenging, prompting inquiries into the reasons behind such actions while emphasizing how a deeper understanding of these instincts enriches our appreciation of domestic animals.
Straußenpolitik : $b Neue Tierfabeln
"Straußenpolitik : Neue Tierfabeln" by Th. Zell is a collection of popular zoological essays written in the early 20th century. The work challenges common “animal fables” and anthropomorphic assumptions, replacing them with evidence-based explanations from natural history and field observation. It examines the adaptive logic behind animal form and behavior, from hippos and giraffes to predators, domesticates, and birds, arguing that utility, ecology, and risk—not human-like motives—drive what animals do. The tone is skeptical yet accessible, appealing to readers who enjoy myth-busting about the natural world. The opening of the book sets the program: a brief foreword promises a continuation of earlier myth critiques, then the author refutes “improvers” who claim nature botched the hippo and giraffe, showing why bulk, long legs, and browsing diets are advantageous and why zoo feeding misleads. He distinguishes shame from guilt, arguing animals likely lack shame but may show guilt or awareness, illustrated with dogs, goats, and an ape understanding consequences, while reinterpreting feline “embarrassment” as hunting limits or habit. He explains predators’ caution toward humans as rational risk-avoidance given our unpredictable weapons, not awe of upright posture, and notes how hunger or infirmity yields man-eaters. He disputes that only herd animals can be domesticated, contrasting tameable solitary species (lynx, cheetah) with dangerous or impractical herd species, and stresses danger, temperament, and human utility as the real factors. He recasts equine “nervousness” as justified vigilance of fleeing herbivores shaped by predation, illustrated by zebras, deer startling at sudden events, and the contrasting boldness of defensive bovines. Finally, he questions claims that animals “admire themselves” in mirrors, using a titmouse at a mirror to argue recognition is misread, before the discussion cuts off.