Description

Gideon Mantell (1790-1852) was an English physician and geologist best known for pioneering the scientific study of dinosaurs. After an apprenticeship to a local surgeon in Sussex, Mantell became a member of the Royal College of Surgeons in 1811. He developed an interest in fossils, and in 1822 his discovery of fossil teeth which he later identified as belonging to an iguana-like creature he named Iguanadon spurred research into ancient fossils. This volume, first published in 1833, contains the results of Mantell's research into the geology and fossil remains of south-eastern England, especially Sussex and Kent. Mantell describes each rock stratum of the region in detail, and includes within each section descriptions of fossil remains found in the formation, arranged by species. Copiously illustrated, this volume remains one of Mantell's best known works and contains fascinating detail concerning the development of geology and palaeontology.