The scientific legacy of William Adam (1909–1988)
Samyn, Yves; Goethem, Jackie L. Van
Archiv für Molluskenkunde International Journal of Malacology Band 155 Heft 2 (2026), p. 203 - 232
49 references
published: Sep 30, 2026
DOI: 10.1127/arch.moll/155/203-232
Open Access (paper may be downloaded free of charge)
Abstract
The scientific importance of Dr William Adam, a key zoologist of the Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences (RBINS) in the 20th century, is here documented through his scientific output. We list all his publications and highlight all the new taxa he introduced, listing, as far as possible, the physical whereabouts of his type specimens. In addition, we provide an annotated list of the eponyms attributed to him. The name W. Adam will be remembered for his long-lasting contributions to the taxonomy of molluscs, especially cephalopods, but also African gastropods and the Belgian fauna. His efforts to advance our taxonomic knowledge of roundworms and flatworms, and his measures to achieve modern standards of collection management in the RBINS, are also to be remembered.
Keywords
Bivalvia • Cephalopoda • Cestoda • Collection Management • Gastropoda • Malacology • Nematoda • Nomenclature • Taxonomy • Types