Genre:

Serial, Miscellaneous

Relevant illustrations:

eng., wdct.

Subjects:

Geology, Palaeontology, Museums, Illustration

Institutions mentioned:

British Museum

    Provides an account of the 'most remarkable of the fossil sea-lizards', the ichthyosaurus and the plesiosaurus. Describing the plate, which represents specimens of both genera, the writer observes: 'Restored figures of both these lizards are to be met with in several geological works; but they are here represented exactly as they were disinterred from the earth, and have consequently all the value of documents'. Claiming to have 'no theories to propose in these geological papers', the writer recommends readers to make themselves acquainted with the facts concerning these and other palaeontological specimens, with a view to comparing them with extant species. Observes that it 'can scarcely be considered necessary that we should raise our voice against that antiquated notion, that these fossil remains are mere freaks of nature, created originally in the state in which they are now found, and which were never clothed with flesh and sinews at all, nor animated with the breath of life'. (290) Argues briefly against this position.