The unknown Eleonora in Cacatua galerita eleonora … (1 Viewer)

[Björn Bergenholtz]

I think I might have solved a little mystery (at least for me it was) …

The subspecie "Eleonora Cockatoo" Cacatua galerita eleonora FINSCH 1863 was described as "Cacatua Eleonora" in: Finsch, O. 1863. Naamlijst der in de Diergaarde Levende Papegaaijen ten dienste der bezoekers van den tuin ingerigt. Nederlandsch Tijdschrift voor De Dierkunde (publ. by M. WESTERMAN & ZOON) 1. VI-XXIV. (full article, as pdf, attached) (Page XXI, in the end of the journal).

Link to full journal: http://www.biodiversitylibrary.org/item/45346#page/433/mode/1up

The type description (attached) doesn´t state more than: ”

Het vaderland van deze nieuwe soort is niet bekend. Zij onderscheidt zich dadelijk van alle anderen door de regte, zeer breede, gele kuif. Ik heb haar, als een blijk mijner hoogachting voor den Heer WESTERMAN en zijn huisgezin, den naam zijner echtgenoote gegeven.”

As I understand it this only commemorates the "echtgenoote" (wife) of "Heer Westerman" (Mr. Westerman). No actual Name, nothing specific about Mrs. Westerman, the lady herself!?

But following the lead, of Westerman, and M. Westerman & Zoon, the publisher of this the first issue of Nederlandsch Tijdschrift voor De Dierkunde, it is clear that this firm was established by Marten Westerman (1775–1852), whose wife was Anna Rudolphina, born Vorst (1774-1860).

Martens oldest son, who took over M. Westerman & Zoon, after his deceased Father, was Dr. Gerardus Frederik Westerman (1807–1890). He was the one in charge over the publishing firm when Finsch's article (the type description) was published. He was also one of the founders (1838) of the of the Dutch Zoological Society Natura Artis Magistra and their Zooological Garden in Amsterdam, where he was Director (for the latter, from 1843 until his death). That´s the same place (I think? I don´t know Dutch) where Finsch found this Cockatoo …

And, finally; Gerardus Frederik Westerman's wife was: Maria Eleonora Westerman (1812–1892), born van der Schroeff!

Anyone think otherwise?

 

[James Jobling]

Good investigation, Bjorn. I had Eleonora Westerman in my MS, but did not have her full name, maiden name, or dates. Thanks.

 

[JustinJansen]

Het vaderland van deze nieuwe soort is niet bekend. Zij onderscheidt zich dadelijk van alle anderen door de regte, zeer breede, gele kuif. Ik heb haar, als een blijk mijner hoogachting voor den Heer WESTERMAN en zijn huisgezin, den naam zijner echtgenoote gegeven.”

Translated (roughly): The fatherland of this new species is unknown to me. She differs directly by others by the straight, and broad, yellow crest. I have her, as in my esteem for Mr Westerman and it's home family, the name of his wife given.

 

[Björn Bergenholtz]

Thanks Justin, and "you´re welcome" James,

I think this wraps up my entry on Eleonora!