This paper explores the “science fictions” encapsulated in natural history museums through an exploration of select examples at Oxford University Museum of Natural History. In this context, the scaffold of historical myths, half-truths, and assumptions behind facts presented in natural history museums as well as epistemological holes papered over when presenting complex information succinctly in museum interpretation are considered science fictions. The science fictions that surround the Oxford dodo, the Museum’s statues of scientist luminaries, and the whale skeletons and fluid-preserved cephalopod specimens on display are examined. Behind the contemporary authoritative interpretation of each of these are stories of mythological creatures, imagined histories, deeply subjective assumptions, pseudo-science, and informed speculation. Lastly, a speculative look is taken at the science fictions of today that are undoubtedly being incorporated into new displays at the museum, currently in development.

本文通过对牛津大学自然历史博物馆精选案例的探索，探讨了自然历史博物馆中的“科幻小说”。在这种情况下，自然历史博物馆中呈现的历史神话、半真半假和事实背后的假设，以及在博物馆解释中简洁地呈现复杂信息时所掩盖的认识论漏洞，都被认为是科幻小说。围绕牛津渡渡鸟的科幻小说、博物馆的科学家名人雕像以及展出的鲸鱼骨骼和液体保存的头足类动物标本进行了检查。当代权威解释的背后是神话生物的故事、想象的历史、深刻的主观假设、伪科学和知情的推测。最后，