Monograph on the Fossil Reptilia of the London Clay
And of the Bracklesham and Other Tertiary Beds

First published in instalments between 1849 and 1858, this is a study of reptilian fossils found in the London Clay.

Richard Owen (Author), Thomas Bell (Author)

9781108038249, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 3 November 2011

304 pages, 60 b/w illus.
29.7 x 21 x 1.6 cm, 0.73 kg

Covering a wide area of the London and Hampshire basins, the London Clay has been famous for over two hundred years as one of the richest Eocene strata in the country. In this work, first published between 1849 and 1858, Fellows of the Royal Society Richard Owen (1804–92) and Thomas Bell (1792–1880) describe their findings from among the reptilian fossils found there. The book is divided into four parts, covering chelonian, crocodilian, lacertilian and ophidian fossils, and includes an extensive section of detailed illustrations. Using his characteristic 'bone to bone' method and an emphasis on taxonomy, Owen draws some significant conclusions; he shows that some of Cuvier's classifications were wrongly extended to marine turtles, and adds to the evidence for an Eocene period much warmer than the present. The work is a fascinating example of pre-Darwinian palaeontology by two scientists later much involved in the evolutionary controversy.

Order - Chelonia. Family Marina
Family Fluvialis
Family Paludinosa
Order - Crocodilia
Order - Lacertilia
Order - Ophidia
Restoration of Chelone Gigas.

Subject Areas: Palaeontology [RBX]