Because of the Olm's dragon-like appearance, pictures of similar images to the cave dweller have been found dating back to ancient times. However, the first live Olm to be captured and brought back to a lab was taken by a physician named G.A. Scopoli. He sent many drawings to fellow scientists for observing, catching the attention of Josehpus Nicolaus Laurenti. Laurenti gave the Olm the scientific name proteus anguinus after being the first to describe the creature officially in 1768. Research of the Olm passed through the laboratories of many esteemed scientists, including that of Darwin for use in On the Origin of Species, and yet little information was truly gathered on the magnificent creature.