I thought this quote posted over at
The Loom was quite interesting. Apparently as
Linnaeus inadvertently made a rough sketch of common descent with his classifications, he was troubled by the thought of stirring up trouble with the religious when dealing with humans:
Quote:
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Originally Posted by Linnaeus
It is not pleasing that I placed humans among the primates, but man knows himself. Let us get the words out of the way. It will be equal to me by whatever name they are treated. But I ask you and the whole world a generic difference between men and simians in accordance with the principles of Natural History. I certainly know none. If only someone would tell me one! If I called man an ape or vice versa I would bring together all the theologians against me. Perhaps I ought to have, in accordance with the law of the discipline [of Natural History].
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