09.03.2013 Views

Ornithology, Evolution, and Philosophy 123

Ornithology, Evolution, and Philosophy 123

Ornithology, Evolution, and Philosophy 123

SHOW MORE
SHOW LESS

You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles

YUMPU automatically turns print PDFs into web optimized ePapers that Google loves.

Emigration to the United States <strong>and</strong> Life in New York City 99<br />

Fig.3.2. Dr. Leonard C. Sanford. (AMNH Department of <strong>Ornithology</strong> archives.)<br />

20 years (1931–1950) was an important figure in Ernst Mayr’s life, “the knight in<br />

shining armor of this tale” (Bock 2004a) <strong>and</strong> a “manager of major ornithological<br />

ventures.” He initiated (1) the Brewster-Sanford Expedition to the coastal areas of<br />

South America 1912–1917, (2) the Whitney South Sea Expedition to the isl<strong>and</strong>s in<br />

the Pacific Ocean 1920–1940, <strong>and</strong> (3) several expeditions to New Guinea, Celebes<br />

(Sulawesi) <strong>and</strong> the northern Moluccas in 1928–1932. He raised the necessary funds<br />

through his connections with financial circles in New York, laid the basic plans<br />

for these long-term expeditions <strong>and</strong> finally arranged for qualified scientists to be<br />

employed to study the collections obtained. As detailed below, his motivation was<br />

not entirely science but friendly rivalry with his comrade Thomas Barbour.<br />

Through his acquaintance with the Whitney family Sanford also raised, in 1929,<br />

thefinancialmeansfor theconstructionoftheWhitney WingoftheAMNHtohouse

Hooray! Your file is uploaded and ready to be published.

Saved successfully!

Ooh no, something went wrong!