Joe Cain < J.Cain@ucl.ac.uk >
Department of Science and Technology Studies
University College London

Abstract
In 1938-1939, George Gaylord Simpson -- palaeontologist and evolutionary theorist -- spent nine months travelling through Venezuela with his newlywed wife, Anne Roe. On the surface, this was a simple project aimed towards prospecting for fossil mammals. Underneath, this was anything but normal. Despite poor palaeontological results, Simpson ranked this as one of the most valued travels of his life. My talk explores why. It sets the Venezuelan expedition at the centre of a biographical study of identity, both personal and projected. Simpson undertook profound personal and public redefinition at precisely this time. He worked hard to break from some long-held associations and worked even harder to tie himself tightly into others. The spatial and social imagery of Venezuela figured prominently in Simpson's efforts.

Biography
Dr Cain is lecturer in history and philosophy of biology at University College London. His current research focuses on the synthesis period of evolutionary studies, especially the dimensions attributed to natural history aspects of the life sciences. He has extensively researched the lives and work of prominent 20th-century evolutionists such as George Simpson, Ernst Mayr, and Theodosius Dobzhansky.

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Fall 2001