From 1758? Fascinating that Osman was able to curate such a powerful window into the past by way of a coral sample!
In 1758, Helvetius published De L’Esprit (On Mind) where he argued that all people have the same ability to learn and that unequal education is the key to inequality. Wagner’s stint as a supercargo was in 1818, which also, coincidentally, was the year that Philadelphia established its first public schools.
Yes! It was so interesting to witness all the directions her research took her. And a lot of fun for me to help her. It's too bad I can't share her poem. I was hoping it would be online, but it's not.
Here's a tempting tidbit from the first page of this wonderful poem by Jenna Osman:
I really like "a shelter made from its interior life" and "collecting is the first step toward naming."
So much of the Wagner starts with collecting and naming, but extends to preserving and experiencing. Which is why a visit to the place is so utterly special.