Cephalopods
Dr. Stiassny writes in Opulent Oceans that this creature of the deep was first described by Louis Joubin (1861-1935) as Melanoteuthis lucens, the shining black squid. However, Carl Chun (1852-1914) had already published a report of the octopod which he named Vampyroteuthis infernalis, literally the vampire squid from hell. "Despite its strange appearance and ominous name...this docile water mollusk is the only known octopod that is not an active predator." The volumes of both Joubin and Chun are discussed in Opulent Oceans, complete with textual descriptions and examples of artwork, such as the vampire squid above. More examples of cephalopods can be seen to the right, all with vibrant color and brilliant detail.
To enlarge this or any image, and to see the accompanying descriptions, simply click on an image or its title. Information can be accessed about the rare book from the Library’s catalog records, and the exhibit can be further explored by selecting authors, artists, titles, and subjects.