Big Bone Lick: The Cradle of American Paleontology
by Stanley Hedeen
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Description
On March 7, 1808, President Thomas Jefferson received a long-awaited shipment of approximately 300 fossils from William Clark, who had just completed his westward expedition with Meriwether Lewis. The fossils were unearthed at Big Bone Lick in northern Kentucky, and over the years they had gained the interest of such prominent figures as Daniel Boone, George Washington, and Benjamin Franklin. Jefferson's receipt of the fossils was the realization of more than twenty years of the show more philosopherstatesman's interest in the site and its natural treasures. Big Bone Lick: The Cradle of American Paleontology recounts the rich history of the fossil site that gave the world the first evidence of the extinction of several mammalian species, including the American mastodon. Big Bone Lick has played many roles: nutrient source, hallowed ground, salt mine, health spa, and a trove of archaeological riches and paleontological wonders. Natural historian Stanley Hedeen presents a comprehensive and accessible narrative of Big Bone Lick from its geological formation forward, explaining why the site attracted first animals, then Native peoples of the region, European explorers and scientists, and eventually American pioneers and presidents. Big Bone Lick is a history of both a place and a scientific discipline: it explores the infancy and adolescence of paleontology from its humble and sometimes humorous beginnings. Hedeen combines elements of history, geology, politics, and biology to make Big Bone Lick an entertaining story as well as a valuable historical resource. show lessTags
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Member Reviews
This book provides a peak into how the field of paleontology originated using the geographic location of Big Bone Lick as a catalyst. Essentially this book is the biography of Big Bone Lick; who was there when and what bones did they collect. But the interesting parts are in the famous cast of characters and the what how people attempted to reconcile the bone discoveries with religious beliefs. People without and interest in geology or paleontology may find this book a bit dry, but if you enjoy those fields of study this books provides a fresh new story.
A short book, merely a beginning to the story of one of the largest depositories of fossil bones in America. The depository is located in Kentucky at the site of an historic salt lick. It was visited by many famous figures of history and where several original fossils of extinct animals were found. This book is short and easy to read (for paleontology) and only whets your appetite for more info about Big Bone Lick. This lack of more information is the books worst flaw.
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Stanley Hedeen is professor emeritus of biology and former dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at Xavier University. He has written several books on the natural and environmental history of the greater Cincinnati region.
Common Knowledge
- Original publication date
- 2008
- Important places
- Big Bone Lick, Big Bone, Kentucky, USA; Kentucky, USA
- Dedication
- To Glenn Storrs, Withrow Farny Curator of Vertebrate Paleontology, Cincinnati Museum Center
- First words
- The eminent English geologist Charles Lyell visited the Cincinnati area in 1842 to collect two groups of fossils: mammal bones from Big Bone Lick, and marine shells from the bedrock of the region.
- Last words
- (Click to show. Warning: May contain spoilers.)Nothing can be gained by prematurely adding other species to the list of extinct animals that once gathered at Big Bone Lick.
- Blurbers
- Faragher, John Mack; Semonin, Paul; Ramage, James A.
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- Members
- 66
- Popularity
- 473,464
- Reviews
- 2
- Rating
- (3.75)
- Languages
- English
- Media
- Paper, Audiobook, Ebook
- ISBNs
- 4
- ASINs
- 1
