The history of natural science across its many disciplines, including zoology, botany, geology or even malacology (the study of molluscs) is often a case of truth being stranger than fiction. There are countless stirring, occasionally alarming, natural history adventure stories to be told, rollicking tales of men and women risking life and limb in the name of science and in the cause of the broadening of human knowledge. 'Eaten by a Giant Clam' focuses on the work of these natural scientists in the field. It comprises 22 stories, with a focus on the heyday of natural history endeavours between the eighteenth and twentieth centuries. Each story surveys the life and career of the scientist, with the main focus being career highlights and their most striking adventures. This fascinating book ranges in content from the humorous to the tragic, from the virtually unbelievable to the inspirational. This enthralling read features a chapter on the 'gentleman naturalist' Joseph Banks and his exploration of New Zealand and Australia. It also includes profiles on David Douglas, George Forrest and Joseph Hooker who travelled the globe making discoveries that flower today in our gardens and parks - and the stories of daring women like Maria Sibylla Merian and Mary Kingsley.
