Selling of specimens (fwd)

[JCMcL <darwincr@laplaza.taos.nm.us>]

[I strongly hesitated before I decided to forward this message along
 because it comes close to advertising for the purpose of selling a
 fossil, and that's a no no on this list.  However, since a) I don't
 think there's any realistic possibility of this message resulting in a
 sale and b) it's not directly so much an advertisement as it is a
 request for information and discussion about the person trying to sell
 the fossil and the means by which said person acquired the fossil,
 I've decided to put it out on the table.  -- MR ]

I received the following message from a gentleman in town.  He had
previously asked me (I am known for my interest in paleontology)
whether I might know of anyone who would like to have a Tyrannosaurus
rex skeleton, 70% complete, discovered by a "Dr. Detricht" who wished
to find a home for same.

I suggested the museum of Dr. Detricht's choice, adding that a natural
history museum would have the facilities to study and perhaps display
the specimen, and that the museum would also be best able to make the
material available to the most people for study, perhaps in the end
significantly increasing our understanding of these magnificent
animals.  I further averred that Dr. Detricht, who is apparently
himself or herself a paleontologist, would likely know this and, as a
responsible scientist, would probably have chosen a reputable museum
already.

I received in response the following:

---------- Forwarded message ----------
Date: Thu, 23 May 1996 12:04:40 -0600 (MDT)
From: [I'll hold the name until the sender gives permission]
To: JCMcL <darwincr@laplaza.taos.nm.us>

The good Doctor and the owners of "Z Rex" as they have affectionately
christened it want $10,ooo,ooo. Thats probably why a meuseum hasn't
picked it up. Z Rex was found on public domain supposedly the first
one for sale in this way.

Aloha

-----------End of Forwarded Message________________

With regard to the recent discussions of protection of fossils on
public domain, has anyone any thoughts on the intent of the good
Dr. Detricht and the "owners" of this fossil apparently found on
"public domain"?

To me at least, the doctor and his or her patrons are the antithesis
of the dissemination of knowledge, especially when dealing in
specimens taken from public lands.

>If< my understanding is correct.  Anyway, does anyone have any
acquaintance with such a paleontologist as aforementioned, this
Dr. Detricht?

If anyone has a spare $10 million, maybe this is a deal.  I personally
think it'd be dirty money.

Thanks,

John C. McLoughlin