History of Palaeobotany: an Introduction

Abstract

Listen

Translate article

This volume concentrates on selected historic aspects of palaeobotany that are, perhaps, hard to find elsewhere. In writing historical accounts it is often of much greater value to provide fresh material concerning little known personages and events rather than re-invent the wheel by going over welltrodden paths more expertly tackled in other works. Therefore we have not endeavoured to include all those who have made substantial contributions to the science, so that there are inevitable gaps and omissions. Instead, we hope that the compilation presented in this volume will be of interest to those who wish to explore some of the byways of our palaeobotanical heritage. A full history of 'Palaeobotany' has yet to be written, but we hope that this volume may help to spur such future activity. The history of palaeobotany contains fascinating insights into scientific endeavour. In the past it has been too easily dismissed as the 'Cinderella' of palaeontological studies in which many of the early workers were pursuing personal interests rather than a full-time career. This publication falls into several broad sections with a couple of minor themes occurring throughout. The first two papers serve as an introduction into the early developments of selected aspects of palaeobotany. Wilding briefly examines the work and setting of Robert Plot and Edmund Lhwyd, who laid down foundations for what would eventually become the sciences of Palaeontology and Palaeobotany. Torrens looks at the life and work of the Moravian minister, Reverend Henry Steinhauer, who became a disciple of William Smith's stratigraphic methods. Steinhauer's tragic premature death from consumption in 1818 may have contributed to his subsequent obscurity. Early 19th century developments are covered by Chaloner & Pearson in their accotmt of some of the work of John Lindley. Lindley was a pioneer in the true sense of the word, combining experimental technique with meticulous description. Together with William Hutton, John Lindley published the much-acclaimed Fossil Flora of Great Britain. Aspects of Lindley's pioneering work in palaeobotany remain topics of active research today. Cleal et al. examine the role of 'Illustrations and Illustrators' during the early 19th century. Their accounts of the works by Schlotheim, Sternberg and Brongniart demonstrate the importance of collaboration between taxonomists, artists and illustrators in raising the awareness of the value of palaeobotanical material amongst the larger scientific community.