SPHINX ALATUS

KINGDOM Animalia

PHYLUM Vertebrata

CLASS Echidnæ

ORDER Praesidium

FAMILY Felidæ

GENUS Sphinx

SPECIES Sphinx alatus

MANY DETAILS REGARDING the heraldry of the sphinx are still unknown. These creatures varied widely throughout the African continent. In Egypt, there are great statues of this animal—the sphinx sol, the protector and scourge of Ra, the sun god. Sphinxes are shown bearing a ram’s head (a criosphinx) or a goat’s head. These species are typically depicted without wings; I suspect that, like many flightless birds, the sphinx lost its need for flight because of geographical isolation. This evolution likely occurred before the animal’s arrival in Egypt or Africa; however, I cannot determine whence it originated.

The famed sphinx of Thebes appears strikingly similar

to the specimen in my record. Though few in number, the species had a developed human mind with an advanced intellect; they were more than likely fierce and successful predators.

THE BELIEF IN THE SIREN OR MERMAID WAS NOT UNCOMMON IN THE NINETEENTH CENTURY. MANY NATURALISTS AND TAXONOMISTS MAINTAINED

THAT SUCH A CREATURE WAS PLAUSIBLE . DR.

BLACK HIMSELF STATES THAT THE OCEANS WERE

FAR TOO VAST TO REACH A DECISIVE CONCLUSION .

IT IS WORTH NOTING THAT, FOR ALL THE

SCIENTISTS OPPOSED TO BLACK’S RESEARCH, THERE WERE MANY WHO SUPPORTED HIM, AND

EVEN MADE SIMILAR CLAIMS OF THEIR OWN.