 |
| A dugong, probably the species mentioned. CC image Gejuni. |
It was mentioned in all the Journals some time ago, that a Mermaid caught in the Indian Seas, had been brought to this country. The creature so described, and no doubt, one of the species which has given rise to so many fabulous stories, is now in the Museum of Surgeon Hall, London. It is about eight feet in length, and bears a strong resemblance to the common seal. There is also a young female, of the same species, in the same place. They belong to the class of Mammalia; the fins terminate (internally) in structure like the human hand; the breasts of the female are not very prominent, and in suckling the young, not only this appearance, but their situation on the body, must cause the extraordinary phenomenon which has led to popular belief. In other respects, the face is far from looking like [print unreadable].
Dublin Weekly Register, 5th May 1821.
The Surgeons' Hall Museums have been refurbished and look like an excellent place to visit today.
No comments:
Post a Comment