Georges Cuvier, Devil Fighter

Cuvier, Georges (1769-1832) – French comparative anatomist who is considered the founder of functional anatomy, which maintains that the knowledge of structure acquires meaning only when the purpose is known. His study of comparative anatomy allowed him to draw conclusions about one part of an organism from investigating other parts. A famous story tells how his students dressed up in a devil’s costume and woke up Cuvier in the middle of the night, chanting “Cuvier, Cuvier, I have come to eat you.” Reportedly, Cuvier opened his eyes, remarked “All creatures with horns and hooves are herbivores. You can’t eat me,” and went back to sleep.  – more

I need to get me a nifty legend.