TB Reading (sorry it's late y'all)

1-In Cabinets to Museum the Tradescant collection is discussed. Why is it so significant in terms of who was allowed to view it? It was known by its owner as the “ark” – interestingly zoo as also often described is “arks.” Why would there be this parallel?

The Tradescant collection is significant because it was the first completely accessible collection. Anyone could see it no matter their gender or social rank. It was known as the Ark because it conserved many wonders of the world in one collection. A zoo could parallel this because it houses and conserves many animals from all over the world. 

2-What is the primary purpose of a Wunderkammer as described in the readings? Is it simply to collect odd things like a souvenir case of circus show, or something more? Explain in some conceptual detail. In your explanation reference the Dawn of Zoology readings about early natural historians such as Aristotle and Pliny the Elder that you read about tat the very beginning of the semester.

The Primary purpose of the Wunderkammer was to display items from all over the globe so that people who were not able to travel could educate themselves. It certainly was an oddity, but that was not it's main purpose.  They were meant to show the diverse souvenirs that can be found in different cultures and habitats so that people could expand their knowledge. Travel was so expensive, so a Wunderkammer almost became a symbol for the journeys. A map in a way.

3- How are Mark Dion’s cabinets of curiosities similar to the Tradescant one? And how is it perhaps also very different both materially and conceptually? Discuss.

Mark Dion Cabinets and the Tradescant Collection are very similar because they are both Wunderkammer's. Dion's are a bit more successful because they are more educationally acurate. The Tradescant Collection was far more conceptual and focused a lot on its aesthetic wonder. The aim was to get people intrigued by the over the top display and exotic specimen rather than to simply educate. 

4- The essay Why Museums? makes the general case for the importance of museum-based natural histroy today. How does the organization, rationale, and functionality of the museum as they describe it differ from the wunderkammer of the past?

Out of the various examples they discuss regarding the practical scientific use of museums pick one or two you thought as most interesting or surprising and describe why they caught your attention.

Museums are different from the wunderkammer becuase they apply the exhibits and information to science and research. The wunderkammer just displayed a collection and visually educated while museums do that and actually make a further impact. 

I found the section on Influenza to be very interesting. I was blown away by the number of deaths influenza has caused. I also felt like it made a great case for the museum being a vital place of research.