The Nature Discovery Fund of the
Canadian Museum of Nature
A scientific name is the official name by which an
organism is known, each one is unique. Over the last 250 years,
biologists have named almost 2 million different species. However,
scientists estimate that there may be as many as 30 million more
species existing on earth.
Many Lissuns will recall that a year or so ago, members of
the Gunroom took up a subscription to have a bug named
in honour of Patrick O'Brian. This was done through
the Nature Discovery Fund of the Canadian Museum of
Nature.
So in November last year, when it was clear that the
Gunroom had judged the movie to be a success, I discussed
with a few other Lissuns the idea of doing something similar
for Peter Weir. There was general agreement that this would
be a good thing, so I wrote to him, asking if he would accept
such an award.
Last Friday, I received a reply - in the most handsome
terms - saying that he'd be delighted (remember that I wrote
at the end of November when the movie had not opened in Oz):
Compliments to you and members of the Gunroom!
Should your reaction to my film have proved positive I would
be delighted to accept your gift! No film award be it gold,
silver or otherwise would equal having one's name on a weevil
or bug! Even if it does not come about I take pride in having
been 'nominated'!
With best wishes,
Peter Weir
Kerry Webb
Canberra, Australia
26 January 2004
Following the Gunroom's donation to the Nature Discovery Fund, we
received the certificate announcing the planned naming. There will be
a period of up to 48 months during which time one of the scientists
will prepare and publish a scientific paper formally identifying and
naming a recently discovered animal in honor of Peter Weir. Once the
paper has been published, we will receive an official certificate of
the newly classified organism and a general description of it. We
will also receive a copy of the scientific paper.
Adam Quinan
The announcement certificate was received by Adam on
15 March 2004. He forwarded it to Kerry Webb for presentation to Mr.
Weir.
@HMSSurprise.org
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