You're Dead to Me Mary Anning
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Jul 12, 2024 Learn about pioneering paleontologist Mary Anning from nineteenth-century England with Dr Michael Taylor and comedian Sara Pascoe. Explore Anning's discoveries of prehistoric creatures, challenges faced in a male-dominated scientific community, and controversies around religion and science. Delve into her remarkable life story and contributions to the field of paleontology.
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Mary Struck by Lightning as Baby
- At 14 months old, Mary Anning was struck by lightning but revived after being dunked in a warm bath.
- This traumatic event was said to have transformed her from a dull child into a bright, intelligent young woman.
Religious Context of Fossil Discoveries
- Early 19th century Britain was deeply religious, making the discovery of ancient fossils challenging to reconcile with biblical chronology.
- The calculated age of the Earth by Bishop James Usher was 4004 BC, sharply contrasting with today's understanding of 4.54 billion years.
Ichthyosaurus Discovery at 12
- Mary, at age 12, spent nearly a year finding the full ichthyosaurus skeleton after her brother found the skull.
- This discovery brought her notoriety and a significant sum, a remarkable achievement for a young girl.