Investigating Fossils A History of Palaeontology

INVESTIGATING FOSSILS
A HISTORY OF PALAEONTOLOGY

Investigating Fossils – A History of Palaeontology is a concise and accessible look at changing attitudes to palaeontology in general, and fossils in particular. From the existential and philosophical debates arising from fossils – such as their implications for the age of the Earth – to their role as markers in Darwin’s theory of evolution, fossils have been the centre of highly charged debate for over two centuries.

This book, which is aimed at anyone with an interest in the history and philosophy of science, not only describes the process of fossil formation and the history of the discovery of fossils. It goes further, and highlights the continuing importance of fossils to our ever-developing understanding of where the planet and its myriad species have come from.

Painting a vivid, lively portrait of the history and development of palaeontology, Investigating Fossils is a fascinating and informative tour of the recent history – and possible future – of the science of fossils.

Dr Wilson J. Wall trained in zoology and genetics and is the author of several science books, including Forensic Science in Court: The Role of the Expert Witness (Wiley, 2009).

Acknowledgements vii

People in the text viii

Introduction 1

1 How are Fossils Formed? 10

2 Descriptions and Uses of Fossils 25

3 The Unfolding Understanding of Fossils 48

4 Reconstructing Animals from Fossils 81

5 How Fossils Changed Ideas Associated with Species 118

6 Fossils and Evolution 137

7 Fossil Collecting 172

8 The Rise of Fossil Fraud and Special Sites 193

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