Dubois, Eugene (1858–1940)

David Alexander Lukaszek

A Dutch anatomist and geologist, Eugene Dubois was known for his discovery of Pithecanthropus erectus . Born in the Netherlands in 1858, Dubois cultivated his naturalism with interest in the natural sciences. With support from his family, he studied medicine at Amsterdam University, whereby he received his doctorate in 1884. After graduating, Dubois was appointed as lecturer of anatomy in 1886. It is believed that his interest in evolution developed rapidly during this appointment. Perhaps believing that Asia was the cradle of human evolution, Dubois began to critically assess the possibilities of moving to the Dutch colony. The following year Dubois went to the Dutch East Indies (Indonesia) as a military surgeon. Although the island of Sumatra yielded few fossils, the move to the island of Java (Trinil) in 1890 would prove to be of great significance, ultimately yielding the fossil Pithecanthropus erectus (Java man) that would change both After ...

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