Anning, Mary, 1799-1847

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Mary Anning’s discoveries were some of the most significant geological finds of all time. They provided evidence that was central to the development of new ideas about the history of the Earth. Her opinions were sought and she was acknowledged as an expert in many areas. She played a key role in informing the work of her learned, male contemporaries, notably William Buckland, Henry de la Beche and William Conybeare. By the time of her death, geology was firmly established as its own scientific discipline.

With her brother she found the first complete Ichthyosaur in 1810-1811 and over the years further sensational finds were made. New, more complete skeletons of ichthyosaurs were discovered, followed by a complete skeleton of the long-necked Plesiosaurus, the ‘sea-dragon’ in 1823. This was followed by the ‘flying-dragon’ Pterodactylus in 1828 and others.

Mary died from breast cancer, aged 47; she gained the respect and imagination of scientific and lay public who gave her recognition in her lifetime. Nine years before her death she was given an annuity, or annual payment, raised by members of the British Association for the Advancement of Science and the Geological Society of London. She was the first honorary member of the new Dorset County Museum.

Her death in 1847 was recorded by the Geological Society (which did not admit women until 1904) and her life commemorated by a stained glass window in St Michael’s Parish church in Lyme.

Archival Resources
Role Title Holding Repository
referencedIn Autograph Letter Collection: General Women's Movement, 1825-1896 The Women' s Library
referencedIn Scientists Collection, 1563-1973 American Philosophical Society
referencedIn Autograph Letter Collection: Biographical notes by Mrs Billington Greig, c.1950 The Women' s Library
referencedIn Bill Griffiths Collection, 1972-2007 Special Collections, Brunel University Library
Role Title Holding Repository
Relation Name
associatedWith Griffiths, Bill., 1948-2007 person
Place Name Admin Code Country
Lyme Regis ENG GB
Lyme Regis ENG GB
Subject
Fossils
Occupation
Paleontologists
Activity

Person

Birth 1799-05-21

Death 1847-03-09

Britons

English

Information

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SNAC ID: 68618417