As with the history of art and science and literature, the growth and development of taxidermy has been critically shaped over the centuries by individuals, whose persistence and obsessive devotion to their subject allowed them to see and shape the world in new ways.  Some developed new techniques and formulas for capturing nature's exquisite shapes and colours, finally solving the presevation problems of the toucan's bill, the soft skin on the muzzle of a moose, or enormity of elephant's frame.  Some left the science to others and focussed instead on artistry of preservation, the dioramas behind the birds, the family groupings of badgers, gorillas, and wrens. Others forged new paths through the practice, developing new genres or pushing established genres to new extremes.