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A review by inquiry_from_an_anti_library
The Dragon Seekers: How An Extraordinary Circle Of Fossilists Discovered The Dinosaurs And Paved The Way For Darwin by Christopher McGowan
adventurous
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
5.0
This book describes the history of paleontology, geology, and evolution. A lot of the science behind the search for fossils and interpretation of the fossils is explained in great detail. Science takes time to obtain a proper findings, made even harder due to the extraction of fragile fossils and made rare by geological events that crush the dinosaur skeletons. The theory of evolution would not have been possible without the work of Cuvier in the field of anatomy or of Lamarck's theory of transmutation. Many of the fossilists held non-secular beliefs about their work which sometimes slowed down the proper interpretation and understanding of the events in the past.
The author does a very good job at presenting the information. Each key fossilist is discussed in terms of what they have found and their responses to various groups who help an interest in the field. Some Fossilists such as Hawkins, like in many if not all profession, tried to deceive the data by adding or creating parts in large amounts to the fossils discovered. Many fossilists were collectors only part time while completing their practice in medicine or surgery. Other fossilists like great Anning found and sold the fossils to various collectors through sheer perseverance and love for the fossils.
The author does a very good job at presenting the information. Each key fossilist is discussed in terms of what they have found and their responses to various groups who help an interest in the field. Some Fossilists such as Hawkins, like in many if not all profession, tried to deceive the data by adding or creating parts in large amounts to the fossils discovered. Many fossilists were collectors only part time while completing their practice in medicine or surgery. Other fossilists like great Anning found and sold the fossils to various collectors through sheer perseverance and love for the fossils.