Mary Anning Facts and Fossils
This episode of 'She Changed History' delves into the remarkable life of Mary Anning, a pioneering palaeontologist from the early 19th century. Now often in kids’ books and on the BBC, Mary made groundbreaking fossil discoveries on the Jurassic Coastline in Dorset England, including the first complete ichthyosaur and plesiosaur skeletons, and the first pterosaur skeleton found outside of Germany. The episode highlights the numerous challenges Mary faced, from being excluded from scientific communities to having her work misattributed to male scientists. Despite these injustices, Mary's work fuelled public interest in palaeontology and left an indelible mark on the field. The episode also captures emotional moments, such as Mary's close bond with her dog Tray and her relentless dedication to her work, even under dangerous conditions. Mary Anning's legacy endures today, honoured by the Natural History Museum and a statue on the Jurassic Coast, celebrating her as a key figure in the history of palaeontology.
Other episodes mentioned: 36. Betsy Cadwaladr
00:00 Introduction and Technical Setup
00:53 Exciting News: A New Baby!
02:34 Introducing Mary Anning
03:37 Mary's Early Life and Challenges
11:58 Mary's First Major Discovery
15:21 The Ichthyosaurus: A Groundbreaking Find
18:21 Mary's Continued Success
20:36 Mary Anning's Remarkable Discovery
21:38 Sexism in Palaeontology
22:41 Recognition and Rejection
24:14 The Geological Society's Exclusion
27:41 Mary's Resilience and Companion
29:53 The Third Discovery: Pterodactyl
36:05 Mary's Contributions and Legacy
41:05 The Tragic End and Lasting Impact
