1770 Mstricht Mosasaur Cave entrance
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1770 Mstricht Mosasaur Cave entrance
1798 Copperplate engraving with its original handcolouring from Volume III of J.L Bertuchs " Bilderbuch fur Kinder". Mosasaur hoffmanii. 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. This image shows the cave entrance where the discovery was made in the St. Peters Bergs cave system near Mstricht. The find was publicised widely by the naturalist Johann Hoffman. It was later captured by French Revolutionary forces and taken to Paris. A Dutch naturalist Adriaan Camper realised the beast was allied to the lizards in 1799. In 1808 Georges Cuvier confirmed the fact, publishing it in his seminal paleontology work " Ossamens Fossiles". It was not actually named Mosasaurus (" Meuse reptile" ) until 1822
Science Photo Library features Science and Medical images including photos and illustrations
Media ID 6319417
© This image is Paul D. Stewart 2009. Do not reproduce without permission of the photographer at Stewartpauld@aol.com
18th Century Chalk Cretaceous Cuvier Dinosaur Discovery Extinct Extinction Fossil Lizard Maastrichtian Marl Mosasaur Mososaur Pre Historic Reptile Maastricht Palaeontology
EDITORS COMMENTS
This print takes us back to the year 1770, where a monumental discovery was made in the St. Peters Bergs cave system near Maastricht. The image showcases the entrance of the Mosasaur Cave, which holds great significance in scientific history. This particular engraving, created by J. L Bertuch for his renowned "Bilderbuch fur Kinder" beautifully captures the essence of this momentous find. The Mosasaur hoffmanii, also known as the Maastricht Mosasaur, marked a turning point in our understanding of prehistoric creatures. Its unearthing prompted enlightenment scholars to question whether Earth's past inhabitants differed from those we know today. Naturalist Johann Hoffman played a crucial role in publicizing this remarkable discovery before it fell into French Revolutionary hands and was transported to Paris. It wasn't until Dutch naturalist Adriaan Camper recognized its connection to lizards that its true nature began to unfold in 1799. Georges Cuvier further solidified these findings with his groundbreaking paleontology work titled "Ossamens Fossiles" published in 1808. Interestingly enough, it took another fourteen years until it received its official name - Mosasaurus or "Meuse reptile". As we gaze upon this enchanting artwork from the 18th century, we are reminded of how far our knowledge has come since then. It serves as a testament to human curiosity and determination to uncover Earth's ancient secrets hidden within layers of chalk and marl formations dating back millions of years ago during the Cretaceous period. This stunning illustration not only captures an important moment in scientific history but also invites us on a journey through time when giant marine reptiles once roamed our planet's oceans – forever immortalized through artistry and preserved for generations to come.
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