Paul Spencer Sochaczewski

What’s His Name?

Posted on 29. Sep, 2023 by Paul Sochaczewski in Alfred Russel Wallace and his assistant Ali

WHAT’S HIS NAME?
When conventional research fails, can AI provide an answer?

GENEVA, Switzerland

 

Why should we care about an illiterate 19th-century teenager from Borneo named Ali? More to the point, why should we spend time trying to learn his full name?

Ali spent six years travelling with Alfred Russel Wallace throughout Southeast Asia, working initially as a 15-year-old cook, then taking on more responsibilities as a camp manager and collector and taxidermist of rare birds.  I suggest Wallace would not have been as successful as he was without the support of this young man.

The primary source for information about Ali comes from Wallace, who mentions him 42 times in his classic book The Malay Archipelago and again in his autobiography My Life.  No where does Wallace disclose Ali’s family name. In addition, there are three elements of (convincing) second-hand evidence that add context to Ali’s life, but again, none of them mention Ali’s patronym.  Spenser St. John, a close friend of James Brooke, the first White Rajah of Borneo, employed a competent young cook named Ali, and it appears that Ali left St. John’s service to work with Wallace. Brothers Frederick and Arthur Boyle, young English adventurers who explored Sarawak, hired Ali as guide and camp manager.  They called him Ali Kasut, Ali of the Shoes, in recognition of the black leather shoes he always wore.  And in 1907, Thomas Barbour, a respected American naturalist, met a “wizened old Malay man” on Ternate island who called himself Ali Wallace. The idea that Ali described himself as son-of-Wallace is poignant, but doesn’t help with genealogical research.

* * *

For more than 50 years I’ve been following British naturalist and explorer Alfred Russel Wallace.  During his eight years in Southeast Asia (1854-1862), Wallace collected more than 125,000 specimens of “natural productions.”  His haul included  50 new species of butterflies, 900 new species of beetles, 212 new species of birds, and perhaps most remarkable, 200 new species of ants. He traveled with no government, military, or financial support — he was an independent explorer who earned his money by shipping his pickled, stuffed, and boiled natural history specimens, including famously, 17 orangutans, to his agent in London, who then sold them to museums and private collectors.

All explorers, indeed just about everyone, owe their success to one or more Alis — people who have helped ease our journeys, opened doors, given us a boost, yet who are often under-appreciated.

I’ve taken a particular interest in Wallace’s key assistant, a 15-year-old Malay lad known only as Ali.

* * *

I’ve written my version of Ali’s history in my 2023 book “Look Here, Sir, What a Curious Bird.” I’ve speculated, theorized, and created imaginary dialogues between Wallace and Ali.  But one specific fact remains elusive:  Ali’s family name.

Why should that single omission bother me?

The grownup reason is if we knew Ali’s family name, perhaps we could find his descendants, likely around the region of Ternate, in eastern Indonesia, where Ali “retired.” Ideally, an individual would step forward and say “My great-great-great grandfather Ali explored Indonesia and saw the country’s remarkable nature.  What would he say if he returned and saw how we are treating nature today?”

The emotional reason is borderline ridiculous.  Knowledge of Ali’s full name will not make a smudge on the future of humanity; it is hardly like searching for a cancer vaccine or inventing a time machine.  My quest is a whim, pure and simple.

* *  *

I was at a roadblock.  I have read the handful of academic papers that mention Ali, spoken to various researchers, and listened to several fabulists who have claimed they know Ali’s full name.  No enlightenment. So, I decided to do things the modern way.  I consulted artificial intelligence wizards — first ChatGPT, then Bard.

* * *

Question
Who was Ali, the assistant of Alfred Russel Wallace?

ChatGPT
The assistant you are referring to is named Ali, or Ali bin Abi Talib. Ali was the personal assistant and collector for the British naturalist and explorer Alfred Russel Wallace during his travels in Southeast Asia. Wallace and Ali collaborated extensively during their expeditions, with Ali playing a crucial role in collecting specimens and assisting with various aspects of Wallace’s scientific work. Ali’s contributions were significant in helping Wallace gather specimens of flora and fauna, particularly in the Malay Archipelago.

Discussion

Of all the speculative names for Ali, that of Ali bin Abi Talib had never appeared on my radar. So I asked a specific follow-up question.

*

Question
Who is Ali bin Abi Talib?

ChatGPT
Ali bin Abi Talib, often referred to simply as Ali, was a prominent figure in Islamic history. He was the cousin and son-in-law of the Islamic prophet Muhammad, as well as the fourth caliph of the Rashidun Caliphate, following the caliphs Abu Bakr, Umar, and Uthman.

Ali is highly revered by Muslims, particularly within the Shia branch of Islam, where he is considered the first Imam and the rightful successor to Prophet Muhammad. He played a significant role in the early development of Islam and is known for his knowledge, courage, and devotion.

Ali is also remembered for his contributions as a military leader, poet, and jurist. However, it’s worth noting that the historical events and interpretations surrounding Ali’s life can vary between different sects and branches of Islam.

Discussion
So, right away ChatGPT was out in La-La-Land, claiming that Wallace’s Ali, who lived in the mid-19th century, was an important historical Islamic personage. I pushed back.

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Question
Was Ali bin Abi Talib related to Alfred Russel Wallace?

ChatGPT
No, Ali bin Abi Talib, the prominent figure in Islamic history, is not related to Alfred Russel Wallace, the British naturalist and explorer. They are from completely different historical periods and backgrounds.

Ali bin Abi Talib was a companion and relative of the Islamic prophet Muhammad, living in the 7th century. On the other hand, Alfred Russel Wallace was a 19th-century scientist and explorer who is best known for independently conceiving the theory of evolution by natural selection, alongside Charles Darwin.

There is no familial or historical connection between Ali bin Abi Talib and Alfred Russel Wallace.

Discussion:
So, ChatGPT has been too clever, conflating an historic figure (Ali bin Abi Talib) with Wallace’s Ali, which it then recanted.

Although ChatGPT was wildly wrong, this was fun. I decided to try with a clearly fictional name.  Sarawak-based Tom McLaughlin, assisted by his wife Suriani binti Sahari, has also been following Ali. He consulted a Malay bomoh (shaman) who claimed that Ali’s name was Ali bin Amit. Few people consider McLaughlin’s claim legitimate but his theories have generated surprising amount of traction in social media-gullible communities of Malaysian Borneo.  Would Ali bin Amit generate a lucid reply by ChatGPT?

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Question
Who was Ali bin Amit?

ChatGPT
I’m sorry, but I couldn’t find any specific information about an individual named “Ali bin Amit.” It’s possible that the name is misspelled or there may be limited information available. If there are any additional details or context you can provide, I’ll do my best to assist you further.

Discussion
Okay, so ChatGPT had never heard of Ali bin Amit (although a diligent human researcher would have found on the internet some of McLaughlin’s published articles that mention this name). 

I then proposed the name Buang Bin Mohamed Ali, the fictitious jeux de mot name created by Isabelle Desjeux in her clever parody art and writing.  Like Tom McLaughlin’s Ali bin Amit, Isabelle’s Buang Bin Mohamed Ali has generated significant traction in Sarawak. Her made-for-TV name also can be found on the internet by a diligent researcher.

*

Question
Who was Buang Bin Mohamed Ali?

ChatGPT
I apologize, but I couldn’t find any significant information about an individual named “Buang Bin Mohamed Ali.” It’s possible that the person may not be widely recognized or known in public records or historical references. Without further details or context, it is difficult for me to provide specific information about this individual. If you have any additional information or context, I would be happy to try and assist you further.

Discussion
I decided to give ChatGPT a hint and asked about Buang Bin Mohamed Ali and Ali bin Amit specifically in the context of Alfred Russel Wallace.

*

Question
Who was Buang Bin Mohamed Ali, who worked with Alfred Russel Wallace?

ChatGPT
I apologize for the confusion in my previous response. “Buang Bin Mohamed Ali” refers to a person who worked as an assistant to Alfred Russel Wallace during his travels in Southeast Asia.

Buang Bin Mohamed Ali, also known as Ali or Ali bin Mohamed Ali, was a local Malay assistant who accompanied Wallace during his expeditions in the Malay Archipelago. Ali played a crucial role in assisting Wallace with various tasks, including collecting specimens, navigating the region, and communicating with the local communities.

Wallace highly valued Ali’s contributions and acknowledged his assistance in his writings. Ali’s knowledge of the local environment and his skills as a collector were instrumental in the success of Wallace’s scientific work during his time in Southeast Asia.

Discussion:
ChatGPT apologized for not recognizing the name in the previous exchange, and again identified the fictional Buang Bin Mohamed Ali as Wallace’s Ali, thereby perpetuating Desjeux’s intentional parody. ChatGPT also had no hesitation in saying that two fictional names — Buang Bin Mohamed Ali (Desjeux’s fictional character) and Ali bin Mohamed Ali (a new moniker) — are the same person.

I then asked ChatGPT about Tom McLaughlin’s shaman-inspired Ali bin Amit, specifically in connection with Wallace.  ChatGPT closed the circle and reverted to “Ali bin Abi Talib” whom ChatGPT had identified in the first query. 

*

Question
Who was Ali bin Amit, who worked with Alfred Russel Wallace?

ChatGPT
I apologize, but I couldn’t find any specific information about an individual named “Ali bin Amit” who worked with Alfred Russel Wallace. It’s possible that the name is misspelled, not widely documented, or may not be commonly associated with Wallace’s expeditions.

It’s worth noting that Alfred Russel Wallace had several assistants and collaborators during his travels, including Charles Allen, Ali bin Abi Talib, and other local assistants in different regions. If there are any additional details or context you can provide, it may help in identifying the specific individual you are referring to.

Discussion
ChatGPT was correct in noting that Wallace had several assistants (hundreds, in fact), and Charles Allen was indeed one of his key assistants.

But ChatGPT had refused to learn by its mistakes, and it reverted to the incorrect name it gave earlier, Ali bin Abi Talib, the 7th-century relative of Prophet Muhammad.

Sometimes it’s useful to let things settle then try again.  Would ChatGPT improve with age, like fine wine?  I asked the question several weeks later:

*

Question
What is the full name of Ali, the assistant of Alfred Russel Wallace?

ChatGPT
The full name of Ali, the assistant of Alfred Russel Wallace, is Ali bin Abdo. He was a Malay assistant and collector who worked with Alfred Russel Wallace during Wallace’s exploration of the Malay Archipelago in the 19th century. Ali played a crucial role in helping Wallace collect specimens and information during his travels in the region.

Discussion
ChatGPT has gone walkabout.  Bonkers. Where did the name Ali bin Abdo come from?

*

Question
Who was Ali bin Abdo?

ChatGPT
Ali bin Abdo, also known as Ali of Sarawak, was an assistant and collector who worked closely with the renowned British naturalist and biologist Alfred Russel Wallace during his travels in the Malay Archipelago in the 19th century. Ali played a significant role in Wallace’s scientific expeditions and collecting efforts.

During their collaboration, Ali helped Wallace in various ways, including:

Specimen Collection: Ali assisted Wallace in collecting a wide range of biological specimens, including birds, mammals, insects, and plants. Their extensive collections contributed significantly to the understanding of the biodiversity of the Malay Archipelago.

Communication: Ali served as a valuable intermediary between Wallace and the local people, as he was fluent in Malay and other local languages. This linguistic ability allowed Wallace to communicate with indigenous communities and gather valuable information about the natural history of the region.

Logistics and Navigation: Ali played a crucial role in organizing logistics for their expeditions, including arranging transportation and supplies. He also helped navigate through the challenging and often remote terrain of the Malay Archipelago.

Cultural Insights: Ali’s knowledge of local customs and traditions provided Wallace with insights into the cultural context of the regions they visited, enriching his understanding of the area beyond its natural history.

Alfred Russel Wallace’s exploration of the Malay Archipelago and his collaboration with Ali bin Abdo were instrumental in advancing our understanding of evolution and natural selection. Wallace independently developed a theory of evolution by natural selection that closely paralleled Charles Darwin’s work, and their combined research and collections contributed significantly to the field of biology and biogeography.

Discussion
You’ve got to credit ChatGPT for a robust imagination. Here it had dreamed up (can AI dream?) yet another fictional and unsubstantiated name for Ali — Ali bin Abdo.  (Nevertheless, credit to ChatGPT for summarizing Ali’s contributions so specifically).  But where did that name come from? I asked ChatGPT how it determined the name Ali bin Abdo.

*

Question
How did you derive the name Ali bin Abdo?

ChatGPT
I apologize for the previous incorrect response. It appears there was a misunderstanding in my previous response. Ali bin Abdo is not the correct name of Alfred Russel Wallace’s assistant. I do not have specific information regarding the full name of Wallace’s assistant in my training data.

If you have any other questions or need information on a different topic, please feel free to ask, and I’ll do my best to assist you.

Discussion
Ah, the humility of ChatGPT.  I still don’t know how it got the name Ali bin Abdo (a mystery that will remain locked forever in ChatGPT’s server, I fear). But it finally admitted it provided fake news, and that it had no idea what was Ali’s full name.

But I didn’t want to give up, and asked my new best cyberfriend for an image of Ali.

*

Question
Are there any photos or images of Ali, the assistant of Alfred Russel Wallace?

ChatGPT
As of my last knowledge update in September 2021, there are no known photographs or images of Ali, the assistant of Alfred Russel Wallace. Wallace’s expeditions in the Malay Archipelago took place in the mid-19th century, a time when photography was not as widely accessible and used as it is today. As a result, there are no photographic records of Ali or many other individuals who were part of Wallace’s expeditions.

Most of our information about Ali and his contributions to Wallace’s work comes from written accounts and historical documents. If you’re interested in learning more about Ali’s role in Wallace’s expeditions, you may want to explore Wallace’s own writings, such as “The Malay Archipelago,” where he describes his travels and the people he worked with during his explorations. Additionally, historical archives and academic sources on Wallace’s life and work may provide more details about his assistants and collaborators.

Discussion
And here’s where ChatGPT’s incompetence shone brightly. 

One photo of Ali does exist, and it is famous.  It was taken in 1862 in Singapore, shortly before Wallace returned to England. It shows Ali in formal English attire; Wallace himself wrote: [Ali] here, for the first time, adopted European clothes, which did not suit him nearly so well as his native dress.”  This photo appeared in Wallace’s autobiography My Life, and has been reprinted countless times in various books and articles. Here it is.

 

Additionally, various artists have attempted to create likenesses of Ali based on that single 1862 photograph:

 

 

 

 

ChatGPT said that it’s last “knowledge update” was in September 2021.  If it gets access to more recent data I wonder whether it will pick up this image, published in my book, “Look Here, Sir, What a Curious Bird.” I had asked graphic designer Kelly Cleary to use Photoshop to create a possible image of Ali aged around 67. 

* * *

Confused? Enlightened? Frustrated?

It is obvious that ChatGPT was selective in what sources it referenced, and sloppy in making connections where none exist. At the end of our conversation ChatGPT doubled down on one particular name (7th-century Ali bin Abi Talib), although during an intermediate exchange it had the humility to say this name was wrongly attributed and carried no relevance to Wallace’s Ali.  

The moral. Caveat scholar.

But I thought it might be fun to ask the same question of Bard, Google’s AI alternative to ChatGPT.

* * *

Question
What is the full name of Ali, the “faithful companion” of Alfred Russel Wallace who explored the Malay Archipelago?

Bard
Ali’s full name is unknown. He was a Malay from Sarawak who accompanied and assisted Alfred Russel Wallace in his travels and explorations from 1855 to 1862. Initially recruited as a cook for his expedition, Ali was later responsible for independently collecting many significant specimens that are credited to Wallace. He also made observations of the birds and the people which were communicated to Wallace. It has been estimated that Ali collected and prepared nearly 5,150 bird specimens. Many of his specimens survive in collections of natural history museums.

 In his writings, Wallace referred to Ali simply as “Ali” or “my boy.” He never revealed Ali’s full name, and it is likely that Ali himself did not know his own full name, as was common practice at the time.

Discussion
This is a surprisingly complete and reasonably accurate answer.  Bard notes that the information comes from Wikipedia. Bard does not fall into the trap of calling the young man “Ali Wallace,” as mentioned in the opening line of the Wikipedia entry. The name Ali Wallace itself was cited by American naturalist Thomas Barbour who met a “wizened old Malay man” in Ternate who proudly identified himself as Ali Wallace, a touching moment but not genealogically relevant. Also, the Wikipedia entry is wrong in describing Ali Wallace as “naturalist.” This is a common exaggeration.  Ali was not a naturalist (he shot some 5,000 of the more than 8,000 birds attributed to Wallace), he was a cook and camp manager.  There is no evidence he had any great understanding or interest in the workings of the natural world beyond basic identification based on obvious physical characteristics of specimens he shot and prepared for shipment to England.

* * *

Conclusion? We don’t know Ali’s patronym, and, unless an individual can prove that he or she is Ali’s descendant, we never will.  This certainly doesn’t take away from Ali’s importance or the esteem in which Wallace held him.