Assembling Acclimatization: Frederick McCoy, European Ideas, Australian Circumstances

Abstract

Between 1860 and 1870 Professor Frederick McCoy synthesized a distinct theory that guided the Acclimatisation Society of Victoria's zoological importation program. He assembled this theory via drawing upon European authorities and his own personal observations of Victorian zoology and palaeontology in order both to systemize acclimatization and to discredit Darwinism within the colony. These points will be demonstrated by investigating how McCoy formed his theory and how the Acclimatisation Society of Victoria used the theory to guide their importation program.