History of the collections of the Department of Palaeontology of the Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest

Abstract

The history of the collection of the Department of Palaeontology of the Eötvös Loránd University dates back to the founding of the Department in 1882. Over a period of more than 130 years — sharing the fate of the Department itself — the
eventful history of the collection can be pieced together. The independent Department was established three times (1882, 1915 and 1947); this is due to the fact that between these dates it was twice under the joint management of the Geology
Department. Founded in 1882, in 1893 it became part of a joint Geology-Palaeontology Department; then in 1915 it became independent again but initially, it was without its own Professorial Chair; from 1917–1946 it lost its independence and then was re-established yet again in 1947. In the vicissitudes of these circumstances, the palaeontological collection was moved at least nine times, sometimes to quite miserable premises. Its existence was in danger several times, with some of its sections being lost, and other parts intentionally or accidentally ruined. After the continuous expansion of the size of the collection in the first three decades of its existence (1882–1917), it then went through a period when is was depleted significantly. However, a major expansion took place in the 1970s. The compilation and appearance of the collection have always tried to adapt to the requirements of the age: initially for the teaching of teachers of natural history (1882–1945), and later for the education of geologists (from 1947). Today the existing collection enjoys a reasonable and appropriate siutation, but — as has been the case throughout most of its history — it still faces struggle due to the lack of space. Nevertheless, the outlook seems positive and a complete inventorization and processing of the collection is currently in process.