Can a single object define the perfection of a vast natural history collection?
In short: The Natural History Museum houses over 80 million specimens, ranging from meteorites to giant squids. This episode reviews 113 unique selections to explore whether the concept of a perfect specimen is even possible, using single-word prompts to guide the search.
The Natural History Museum in London maintains a massive collection of more than 80 million items. In this retrospective, hosts look back at 113 specimens previously featured in their series, evaluating them through categories like the most exuberant, the most noxious, or the squishiest.
The ongoing project challenges participants to select a single representative object from the museum's vast holdings based on a one-word prompt. By examining behind-the-scenes stories and scientific curiosities, the series attempts to determine if any individual piece can truly embody the ideal of a museum specimen.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: What's been our favourite specimen? | The 'Perfect' Specimen Ep29
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