Post by Adam Cotton on Aug 5, 2015 0:15:55 GMT -8
Bernard D'Abrera has asked me to post the following on his behalf. I think everyone will find it interesting.
The post [by gauthier on 12 March 2014 above] referring to two critiques of d'Abrera's Butterflies of the Afrotropical Region Part III by Collins et al (Metamorphosis, Vols. 24, 25) have been satisfactorily rebutted by d'Abrera (Metamorphosis, Vol.25: 138-140). In that paper d'Abrera has correctly pointed out the origin of the vast majority of 'errors' attributed to him by Collins et al. That origin, also cited by others including Ackery et al (1995, Carcasson's African Butterflies), was the original BMNH card index system then in use before the advent of modern, computer-based systematic lists. Other taxonomic and literary matters have also been comprehensively answered by d'Abrera. The editor of the journal has accepted and published his response.
When Bernard d'Abrera first arrived at the BMNH in 1969 to commence work on Butterflies of the Australian Region he was given clear instructions that every specimen removed, had to be replaced in its original hole in the drawer, with the original labels placed in correct succession on their pins. He was also instructed that he was not to undertake any new systematic revisions. Further, the description of new taxa was permissible only after consultation with curatorial staff, or if he was absolutely certain that the specimens represented undescribed taxa. As for nomenclature, he was instructed to use only the nomenclature indicated on the curatorial labels affixed to the drawers, and principally to the then sole card index system (there were no computers) present on each floor. Any taxonomy that ensued had to be based on the latest revisions by other specialists who may themselves have altered the card index system appropriately, sometimes only by hand. Consequently, many anomalies were imposed on the card index system, and these were transferred in good faith not only by d'Abrera, but also by other authors, in particular Ackery et al (1995, Carcasson's African Butterflies). Bálint (2000. Lepid. News: 9) says "It must be emphasized however, that most of the apparent errors and spellings in d'Abrera's works are generally caused by his faithful transposition of the spellings present in either the Museum's card index and/or in the curatorial labels in the type or main collection drawers". Forum members might be relieved to know that the card index system has now been replaced by more correct (but still not perfect) modern electronic records.
The post [by gauthier on 12 March 2014 above] referring to two critiques of d'Abrera's Butterflies of the Afrotropical Region Part III by Collins et al (Metamorphosis, Vols. 24, 25) have been satisfactorily rebutted by d'Abrera (Metamorphosis, Vol.25: 138-140). In that paper d'Abrera has correctly pointed out the origin of the vast majority of 'errors' attributed to him by Collins et al. That origin, also cited by others including Ackery et al (1995, Carcasson's African Butterflies), was the original BMNH card index system then in use before the advent of modern, computer-based systematic lists. Other taxonomic and literary matters have also been comprehensively answered by d'Abrera. The editor of the journal has accepted and published his response.
When Bernard d'Abrera first arrived at the BMNH in 1969 to commence work on Butterflies of the Australian Region he was given clear instructions that every specimen removed, had to be replaced in its original hole in the drawer, with the original labels placed in correct succession on their pins. He was also instructed that he was not to undertake any new systematic revisions. Further, the description of new taxa was permissible only after consultation with curatorial staff, or if he was absolutely certain that the specimens represented undescribed taxa. As for nomenclature, he was instructed to use only the nomenclature indicated on the curatorial labels affixed to the drawers, and principally to the then sole card index system (there were no computers) present on each floor. Any taxonomy that ensued had to be based on the latest revisions by other specialists who may themselves have altered the card index system appropriately, sometimes only by hand. Consequently, many anomalies were imposed on the card index system, and these were transferred in good faith not only by d'Abrera, but also by other authors, in particular Ackery et al (1995, Carcasson's African Butterflies). Bálint (2000. Lepid. News: 9) says "It must be emphasized however, that most of the apparent errors and spellings in d'Abrera's works are generally caused by his faithful transposition of the spellings present in either the Museum's card index and/or in the curatorial labels in the type or main collection drawers". Forum members might be relieved to know that the card index system has now been replaced by more correct (but still not perfect) modern electronic records.
