“It matters not whether fishes are rare or common, or by what means they are caught, each one is studied at Nonsuch. The future of every fish is decided by the scientific judge according to its individual value. Some are destined to be purely utilitarian and, after the content of their stomach had been recorded, they are consumed by hungry fish connoisseurs. Many times we envy the chef his comparatively simple problems of preparation, seasoning and cooking, after which the fish achieves the worthy destiny of providing perfect nourishment for our bodies.” – excerpt from the essay “Fish Magic” by Gloria Hollister. The essay is part of the catalog for “Exploratory Works: Drawings from the Department of Tropical Research”. Available in our bookstore online or during museum open hours Wed-Sun 12-6pm | Thurs 12-8pm #ExploratoryWorks Image: Research associate Gloria Hollister dissexts a trumpetfish, Bermuda, 1931.