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1858 Prehistoric marine reptiles
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1858 Prehistoric marine reptiles
1858 Marine Monsters by Benjamin Waterhouse Hawkins. Plate 23, to face page 33, of the New Edition, postumously published, of William Bucklands " Geology and Mineralogy" - part of the Bridgewater Treatises series. Waterhouse Hawkins was commissioned to produce this new plate for the book by Francis Buckland, Williams son. It shows reconstructions of these prehistoric reptiles as produced for the Crystal Palace Sydenham around 1854. The reptiles are identified in the plate. Notable is the lack of fin and straight (rather than correctly bilobe finned) tail of the icthyosaur (central) - these mistakes only became apparent when fin skin impressions were recognised in German specimens. All these species occupied British Coasts in the Jurassic
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Media ID 6317843
© PAUL D STEWART/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY
Antediluvian Black And White Buckland Conybeare Crystal Palace Icthyosaur Lyme Regis Mary Anning Owen Plesiosaur Pre Historic Pterodactyle Pterosaur Reconstruction Sydenham Mono Chrome Teleosaurus
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This print transports us back to the year 1858, showcasing Benjamin Waterhouse Hawkins' remarkable illustrations of prehistoric marine reptiles. Commissioned by Francis Buckland for the posthumous edition of William Buckland's "Geology and Mineralogy" this plate was created as an addition to the renowned Bridgewater Treatises series. The image reveals reconstructions of these ancient creatures, originally crafted for display at Crystal Palace Sydenham in 1854. Each species is meticulously identified on the plate, providing a glimpse into the diverse array of reptiles that once inhabited British Coasts during the Jurassic period. Notably, we observe a scientific error in this artwork: the icthyosaur at the center lacks fins and possesses a straight tail instead of bilobe finning. These inaccuracies were only discovered later when German specimens revealed impressions of fin skin. Nevertheless, Waterhouse Hawkins' work remains an invaluable contribution to our understanding of these fossil reptiles. Immerse yourself in this monochromatic masterpiece as it pays homage to pioneers like Mary Anning and William Conybeare who dedicated their lives to uncovering Earth's ancient secrets. Let your imagination soar alongside pterosaurs and pterodactyls while marveling at teleosaurus and plesiosaur reconstructions. This print serves as a testament to both artistic skill and scientific exploration—a timeless reminder that even with its imperfections, knowledge continues to evolve through diligent observation and discovery.
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