Fossil european sea turtles: A historical perspective

Abstract

This chapter presents a historic perspective on the study of marine turtles from the Cretaceous-Tertiary strata of Europe from the Sixteenth Century to the Present Day. It details the historic episodes that have occurred in terms of the first illustrations or the first scientific descriptions. It outlines the backgrounds and societal links of the individuals involved and throws light on the emergence of an intellectual elite in paleontology. The first natural scientists or philosophers came, almost inevitably from middle or upper middle class families, and their interests were those of histomaths or polymaths. Many initially trained as physicians or alchemists with interests in comparative anatomy, zoology and botany; some are famous for the recognition and treatment of ‘new’ diseases or the discovery of new medicines, others were immensely talented as illustrators; some were subsequently accused of conveying racial dogma or of being at best devious for their own gain. The history of fossil collecting and the acquisition of great personal collections or ‘cabinets’ is a significant component in the historic description of fossil turtles but the advent of regional and national museums and collections heralds an age when access did not depend on patronage or favour. Universal education, and the mesmeric advances in communication and modes of travel have resulted in a surge of new workers in the field of Testudine paleontology with the work of Gene Gaffney as focal point for a bright future.