1770 Cuvier Mstricht Mosasaur
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1770 Cuvier Mstricht Mosasaur
1812 Plate 1 of " the big fossil animal" (later named Mosasaur hoffmanii) from Vol. III, Cuviers " Ossamens Fossiles". The Mstricht Mosasaur was the first giant prehistoric reptile to be found and described by science. It prompted enlightenment scholars to consider that the world might once have been populated by different creatures to those found today. It was excavated in the St. Peters Bergs cave system by miners, and publicised widely by the naturalist Johann Hoffman. It was later captured by French Revolutionary forces in Holland and taken to Paris. A Dutch naturalist Adriaan Camper realised the beast was allied to the lizards in 1799. In 1808 Georges Cuvier confirmed this conclusion and published it in his seminal paleontology work " Ossamens Fossiles" (the pages in this image). It was not actually named Mosasaurus (" Meuse reptile" ) in 1822
Science Photo Library features Science and Medical images including photos and illustrations
Media ID 6319599
© PAUL D STEWART/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY
Black And White Chalk Cretaceous Cuvier Dinosaur Discovery Extinct Extinction Fossil Lizard Maastrichtian Mosasaur Mososaur Pre Historic Reptile Mono Chrome Palaeontology
EDITORS COMMENTS
This print showcases the 1770 Cuvier Mstricht Mosasaur, a groundbreaking discovery that revolutionized our understanding of prehistoric creatures. As the first giant reptile to be found and described by science, it sparked a profound shift in enlightenment scholars' perception of Earth's ancient inhabitants. Unearthed in the St. Peters Bergs cave system by diligent miners, this remarkable specimen gained widespread attention thanks to the efforts of naturalist Johann Hoffman. Its subsequent capture by French Revolutionary forces in Holland further elevated its significance. In 1799, Dutch naturalist Adriaan Camper astutely recognized its kinship with lizards, while Georges Cuvier confirmed this connection and published his seminal work "Ossamens Fossiles" in 1808. The image before us represents Plate 1 from Volume III of Cuvier's monumental publication—a testament to his pioneering contributions to paleontology. The monochrome artwork transports us back to an era long gone, depicting the majestic Mosasaur against a backdrop of chalky landscapes. It is worth noting that although not officially named Mosasaurus until 1822 (derived from "Meuse reptile"), this awe-inspiring marine creature continues to captivate scientists and enthusiasts alike. Its existence during the cretaceous period adds another layer of intrigue as we ponder Earth's ever-evolving biodiversity and contemplate past extinctions. Paul D. Stewart's masterful representation immortalizes this iconic fossil within black and white tones—emphasizing both its antiquity and enduring allure. This photograph serves as a reminder that even amidst modern marvels, there remains much yet undiscovered about our planet's rich history.
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