Dubois << `dyoo` BWAH >>, Eugene (1858-1941), was a Dutch anatomist and anthropologist. While in Java in 1891-1892, he discovered the fossilized bones that he later named Pithecanthropus erectus, or apeman that walked erect (see Java fossils). His discovery led to the theory of a single “missing link” in the chain of evolution joining apes and human beings. Later discoveries show that Pithecanthropus was only one form among many in human evolution. The fossils he discovered are now classified as Homo erectus.
Dubois was born on Jan. 28, 1858, in Eijsden, the Netherlands. He died on Dec. 16, 1941.
