Strictly speaking, a paratype is not a primary type in accordance the ICZN glossary.

Nonetheless, I agree with the consensus commentary on the protection of all designated type material from commercial esploitation and the threat of dispersal and loss to science.

On the other hand, there are several private collections that are safer and more accessible repositories than yesteryear's bastions of curatorial excellence and perpetuity - take for instance Tulane University Dept. Geology, the Alabama Geological Survey, and, I hope temporarily, the AMNH. Not surprisingly these private collections have already been entrained into the the accession queue of functional and respected public museums.

Only death and taxes are guaranteed.

Harry


-----Original Message-----
>From: john k tucker <[log in to unmask]>
>Sent: Sep 9, 2011 12:24 PM
>To: [log in to unmask]
>Subject: Re: [CONCH-L] Cypraea granulata - hinuhinu
>
>I agree with Lindsey.  No primary type should be kept in a private
>collection.  If you are unwilling to part with the specimen do not
>designate it as a paratype.  Most of the specimens said to be paratypes
>in private collections cannot be identified with certainty as actually
>being one.  I tried to check to see if this hinuhinu specimen is listed
>in the paratypes designated in the paper.  I could not confirm that.  A
>certificate of authenticity is for collectors' plates not shells.
>
>John
>On 9/9/2011 10:43 AM, Lindsey Groves wrote:
>> To all listers:
>>
>>          I wholeheartedly agree with Fabio ... the selling of a "registered" paratype (does he mean a designated paratype?) is a practice that has no place in Malacology or any of the biological sciences. It is far too easy to lose track of paratypes sold and/or distributed to private collectors.   A paratype can be used to designate a neotype in the event that a holotype is lost or destroyed.  With that said I strongly urge Carlo to donate this specimen to a recognized museum or university collection where it can be properly held for future researchers rather than auction it off to the highest bidder a la Ebay.
>>
>> Sincerely,
>>
>> Lindsey
>>
>>
>> ***************************************************************************
>> Mr. Lindsey T. Groves
>> Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County
>> Malacology, Collection Manager
>> 900 Exposition Boulevard
>> Los Angeles, CA  90007  USA
>> [log in to unmask]
>> 213-763-3376 (voice)
>> 213-746-2999 (fax)
>> http://www.nhm.org/site/research-collections/malacology/staff-biographies
>> ***************************************************************************
>>
>>
>>
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: Conchologists List [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Fabio Wiggers
>> Sent: Thursday, September 08, 2011 5:50 PM
>> To: [log in to unmask]
>> Subject: Re: [CONCH-L] Cypraea granulata - hinuhinu
>>
>> Although paratypes are not name bearing types, i do not like seen them being sold. I believe types should remain in public collections as they have enourmous scientific value.
>>
>> Regards,
>>
>> Dr.  Fábio Wiggers
>> Biólogo
>>
>> Em 08/09/2011,  s 17:50, Carlo Macc<[log in to unmask]>  escreveu:
>>
>>> $ 780 only?
>>>
>>> Carlo
>>>
>>> SPECIAL AUCTION (ACTUAL REAL PARATYPE FROM DESCRIPTION OF MAY 2011)
>>>
>>> Name: Cypraea "Nucleolaria" hinuhinu Moretzsohn, 2011.
>>>
>>> Location: Mokuleia, N.Shore, Oahu, Hawaii.
>>>
>>> Grade: GEM.
>>>
>>> Size: 29.24 x 18.01 x 13.43mm. (By Digital Caliper).
>>>
>>> Notes: SELF-COLLECTED LIVE GEM FROM INSIDE A DEEP-WATER LAVA TUBE AND JUST
>>> NAMED NEW HAWAIIAN ENDEMIC AS OF MAY 2011. I RECOGNIZED THIS SPECIES AS
>>> BEING DISTINCTIVELY DIFFERENT FROM NUCLEUS AND GRANULATA AND PROVIDED A
>>> HANDFUL OF TYPES TO DR MORETZSOHN TO BE DESCRIBED. IN HAWAII THE NAME
>>> HINUHINU MEANS "GLOSSY-SHINY" SINCE IT HAD CHARACTERISTICS OF BOTH NUCLEUS
>>> AND GRANULATA BUT STOOD OUT ALONE. IN 40YRS I ONLY FOUND A FEW AND WAS ABLE
>>> TO GET A FEW MORE FROM MY DIVE PARTNERS TO FORM A RELIABLE BASE TO HAVE THIS
>>> SPECIES PROPERLY NAMED. THIS IS A LIVE COLLECTED GEM AND THE LARGEST SO IT
>>> WOULD BE PRUDENT TO SAY NOT ONLY A REGISTERED PARATYPE BUT A POSSIBLY A
>>> WORLD RECORD SIZE AS WELL.  ONLY A HANDFUL OF THIS SPECIES EXIST WHICH MEANS
>>> ONLY A COUPLE WILL FIND THEIR WAY INTO A SELECT FEW WHO ARE SERIOUS ENOUGH
>>> TO OWN SUCH A RARITY.
>>>
>>> "HOW MANY COLLECTORS CAN SAY THEY OWN A MUSEUM GRADE PARATYPE"? I RESERVE
>>> THE RIGHT TO END THIS AUCTION AT ANY TIME.
>>>
>>> All items come with full data! Shipping&  Handling by USPS PRIORITY to USA
>>> w/confirmation or will be sent First Class&  registered to non-USA addresses
>>> for free. Paypal payment to be made within 48hrs of receipt of invoice. GOOD
>>> LUCK!
>>>
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