Born: 1799 (Lyme Regis, Dorset, England)
Died: 1847
Biography:
Mary Anning (21 May 1799 – 9 March 1847) was an English fossil collector, dealer, and palaeontologist who became known around the world for the discoveries she made in Jurassic marine fossil beds in the cliffs along the English Channel at Lyme Regis in the county of Dorset in Southwest England. Anning’s findings contributed to changes in scientific thinking about prehistoric life and the history of the Earth.
Mary Anning was born on May 21, 1799, in Lyme Regis, Dorset, England. She came from a working-class family, and her father, Richard Anning, was a carpenter and an amateur fossil collector. Tragically, Mary’s father died when she was only eleven, leaving her family in financial hardship. Despite these difficult circumstances, Mary developed a deep passion for fossil hunting, and her skill and dedication would lead her to become one of the most important figures in the field of palaeontology.
Mary’s early discoveries quickly drew the attention of the scientific community. At the age of twelve, she made her first significant find: the skeleton of an ichthyosaur, an extinct marine reptile. Her discovery, which she sold to a collector, provided the first accurate and complete representation of an ichthyosaur and earned her recognition among geologists and fossil enthusiasts.
Throughout her life, Anning continued to make groundbreaking discoveries. She unearthed the first two nearly complete skeletons of plesiosaurs, another type of marine reptile, and also found the first pterosaur skeleton outside of Germany. These discoveries challenged prevailing scientific beliefs and helped shape our understanding of prehistoric life.
Anning’s contributions extended beyond fossil discoveries. Her meticulous observations led to significant scientific advancements. For example, she recognized that the peculiar stone objects known as bezoar stones were, in fact, fossilized feces (coprolites). Additionally, Anning discovered that belemnite fossils contained fossilized ink sacs similar to those found in modern-day cephalopods.
Despite her remarkable achievements, Anning faced numerous challenges and obstacles throughout her life. As a woman in the 19th century, she faced barriers to full inclusion in the scientific community. Anning was not permitted to join the Geological Society of London, and many of her contributions were not fully acknowledged or credited. However, she formed valuable relationships with prominent scientists, such as geologist Henry De la Beche, who championed her work and ensured that she received some recognition.
Anning’s financial situation remained precarious for most of her life. While her discoveries brought her some income, she struggled to support herself and her family. Her valuable finds often had to be sold to collectors in order to make ends meet. However, her dedication, expertise, and reputation as a skilled fossil collector earned her respect and admiration within geological circles.
Anning’s impact extended beyond her own time. After her death in 1847, her story continued to captivate the public’s imagination. In 1865, an article about her life, titled Mary Anning, The Fossil Finder, was published in Charles Dickens’ literary magazine All the Year Round. Though long attributed to Dickens himself, it was later discovered to be written by Henry Stuart Fagan. Despite some inaccuracies in Fagan’s account, his article introduced Anning to a wider audience and sparked further interest in her life and work.
Mary Anning’s legacy is one of pioneering scientific discovery and resilience in the face of adversity. Her contributions to palaeontology have had a lasting impact on our understanding of the Earth’s history and the evolution of life. Anning’s determination to pursue her passion, despite societal barriers, paved the way for future women in science and continues to inspire generations of scientists and enthusiasts. Her remarkable story serves as a reminder of the importance of recognizing and celebrating the accomplishments of women in the sciences.