Polyzoa X
1885-1890
Frederick McCoy’s 'Polyzoa X' looks less like a traditional nature study and more like a blueprint for a microscopic alien city. Created in the late 19th century, this scientific plate breaks down the intricate world of bryozoans—tiny aquatic animals that build colonies resembling moss. The detailed sketches reveal the honeycomb-like structures of their individual homes, ranging from simple outlines to heavily shaded, architectural renderings that pop off the page. It’s a fascinating glimpse into how Victorian scientists meticulously mapped the unseen, tiny corners of the natural world with almost obsessive precision.
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