specimen

A specimen is a single example or sample that is used for study, testing, demonstration, or display. The term is widely applied across science, medicine, industry, and museums and can refer to a living organism, a tissue or cell sample, a mineral or fossil, an artifact, or even a printed page selected to represent a larger set.

In scientific research, specimens are collected, preserved, and stored for analysis. Biological specimens include organisms, organs, tissues, or cells, often fixed or preserved in alcohol, formaldehyde, or frozen, and stored in collections or mounted on slides for microscopy. Geological and mineral specimens include rocks, minerals, and fossils that are studied for composition, structure, and history. Specimens are typically labeled with collection data to support identification and provenance.

In taxonomy, the concept of a type specimen anchors the name of a species. The holotype is the single specimen designated as the reference for the species, while additional specimens called paratypes may accompany it. This framework provides a stable basis for species description and classification.

Specimens used for education and display include herbarium plants pressed and dried for reference, museum objects curated for public exhibits, and prepared slides or preserved organisms for teaching laboratories. In medicine and pathology, clinical specimens such as blood, urine, or biopsy tissue are analyzed to diagnose disease, with handling governed by biosafety, privacy, and chain-of-custody requirements.

Other uses include specimen copies or samples in publishing and printing, where a representative page or layout showcases typography or production capabilities. Ethical, legal, and conservation considerations govern the collection, preservation, and disposal of specimens, especially when human-derived or culturally sensitive materials are involved.