Orang-Outang, sive Homo Sylvestris

A 1699 book by Edward Tyson

Orang-Outang, sive Homo Sylvestris is a seminal work published in 1699 by the English physician and anatomist Edward Tyson. The book is notable for its detailed anatomical study of a chimpanzee, which Tyson referred to as an "Orang-Outang" based on the terminology of the time. This work is considered one of the earliest scientific studies of a non-human primate and laid the groundwork for comparative anatomy and the study of human evolution.

Background

During the late 17th century, the study of anatomy was advancing rapidly, with scientists beginning to explore the similarities and differences between humans and other animals. Edward Tyson, a prominent figure in this field, sought to understand the anatomical structure of what was then referred to as the "Orang-Outang," a term used to describe various great apes, including chimpanzees and orangutans.

Content of the Book

Orang-Outang, sive Homo Sylvestris is divided into several sections, each detailing different aspects of the anatomy of the specimen Tyson studied. The book includes meticulous descriptions and illustrations of the skeleton, muscles, and other anatomical features.

Anatomical Observations

Anatomy of a pygmy

Tyson's observations highlighted the similarities between the "Orang-Outang" and humans, noting that the specimen shared many anatomical features with humans, more so than with other animals. He described the skull, vertebrae, and limbs, emphasizing the human-like qualities of the hands and feet.

Illustrations

Affe tyson

The book is renowned for its detailed illustrations, which were groundbreaking at the time. These drawings provided a visual comparison between the "Orang-Outang" and humans, illustrating the anatomical similarities and differences.

Significance

Tyson's work was pioneering in the field of comparative anatomy. By demonstrating the anatomical similarities between humans and the "Orang-Outang," Tyson contributed to the early discussions on human evolution and the relationship between humans and other primates. His work predated Charles Darwin's theories by over a century and laid the foundation for future studies in anthropology and evolutionary biology.

Related pages

• Edward Tyson
• Comparative anatomy
• Human evolution
• Chimpanzee
• Orangutan

Tyson Pygmy external back

Tyson skeleton

Anatomical drawing - Orang-Outang, sive Homo Sylvestris (1699), figure 3 - BL

Tyson Pygmy muscles back