Publications
Dinosaur Doctor, The Life and Work of Gideon Mantell, by Edmund Critchley, published 30 July 2010 (256 pp., Stroud: Amberley Publishing, ISBN-10: 1848689470 & ISBN-13: 9781848689473) accessible at: West Sussex Libraries & East Sussex Libraries
Abstract:Gideon Mantell (1790-1852) was a respected surgeon and a pioneering geologist and palaeontologist. Using his skill in comparative anatomy, he pieced together unidentified bone fragments found in chalk quarries to evaluate the modes of life of early dinosaurs, including the Iguanodon, his most famous discovery. From the flora and fauna of the rock strata he established the Age of Reptiles, and revealed how the soft bodies of animalcules formed the chalk. Most of his findings came from the Weald in south east England, where he made an extensive study of the geology and he is most associated with Lewes in Sussex where he lived for most of his life. Mantell's collection of antiquities and fossils of every size was exhibited to the public and later formed a major section of the British Museum. Coming from humble stock in a provincial town, he qualified as a surgeon through an apprenticeship when 15 years old, and developed a practice in surgery, midwifery and general medicine. With his background he became embroiled in Whig politics and support for the underdog, influenced by Tom Paine and the French Revolution. Mantell's journal and correspondence provide an insight into the social history of the period. The need to achieve financial stability through his profession frequently conflicted with his scientific endeavours, but despite this he became a famous writer and lecturer, with books such as the Wonders of Geology and Medals of Creation. He exhibited along with other members of the Royal Society at scientific conversazioni, patronised by Prince Albert.
Review by John Cooper in Sussex Past & Present no. 122, December 2010:In the first half of the 19th century, Gideon Mantell (1790-1852), based in Lewes, then Brighton and finally London, first discovered a series of remarkable fossils, the most renowned of which came to be called dinosaurs. He wrote many books and papers on geology; opened a museum in Brighton's Old Steine; lectured widely to the public and courted famous men of science, aristocracy and even royalty. But this extraordinary man had first qualified as a general practitioner (then known as a 'surgeon') and throughout his life excelled as a man of medicine, To cap it all, Mantell kept a personal journal in which he laid bare much of the daily struggle that ill-health, over work and family concerns meant to him.
Little wonder then that this man's life has been well examined. Amongst the most significant publications is a biography by Sidney Spokes (1929), his abridged Journal by Curwen (1940), a history by Deborah Cadbury (1988) and most scholarly of all, a biography by Dennis Dean in 1999. So the question is - did we need another?
In his introduction, Critchley suggests that "a critique, rather than a straight biography, is needed". I am not sure that he achieves this. Indeed this book is not a straight biography - he divides Mantell's life into themes including 'Fossils', 'Museum', 'Brighton' and 'Soiree'. An unfortunate result of this is that there is quite a lot of confusing duplication where an event touches on more than one theme. For example there are three passages describing Mantell's trip to Horsham in 1848 to look at the Iguanodon jaw belonging to George Holmes.
Most of the book follows familiar ground. But this fresh approach is not without interest. Critchley interjects interesting aspects of social history including the first chapter on 'Influences'. He examines Mantell's health and personality. Being a consultant neurologist by profession, Critchley is better placed than any other author to synthesise and re-evaluate both Mantell's medical practice and his several ailments including severe scoliosis. It is this aspect of the book that I enjoyed the most and is the most significant addition to our appreciation of Mantell's life.
There are too many errors in the text. (Is a celt really a 'brass musical instrument'?; Mantell bought a terebratula from Sowerby's - and it is not a "stinging or boring fossil"). I would like to have seen a clearer indication of where the many quotes came from - Mantell's journal, correspondence, or press etc.
Nevertheless, an attractive book, which no-one with any sort of interest in Mantell will want to be without.
Little wonder then that this man's life has been well examined. Amongst the most significant publications is a biography by Sidney Spokes (1929), his abridged Journal by Curwen (1940), a history by Deborah Cadbury (1988) and most scholarly of all, a biography by Dennis Dean in 1999. So the question is - did we need another?
In his introduction, Critchley suggests that "a critique, rather than a straight biography, is needed". I am not sure that he achieves this. Indeed this book is not a straight biography - he divides Mantell's life into themes including 'Fossils', 'Museum', 'Brighton' and 'Soiree'. An unfortunate result of this is that there is quite a lot of confusing duplication where an event touches on more than one theme. For example there are three passages describing Mantell's trip to Horsham in 1848 to look at the Iguanodon jaw belonging to George Holmes.
Most of the book follows familiar ground. But this fresh approach is not without interest. Critchley interjects interesting aspects of social history including the first chapter on 'Influences'. He examines Mantell's health and personality. Being a consultant neurologist by profession, Critchley is better placed than any other author to synthesise and re-evaluate both Mantell's medical practice and his several ailments including severe scoliosis. It is this aspect of the book that I enjoyed the most and is the most significant addition to our appreciation of Mantell's life.
There are too many errors in the text. (Is a celt really a 'brass musical instrument'?; Mantell bought a terebratula from Sowerby's - and it is not a "stinging or boring fossil"). I would like to have seen a clearer indication of where the many quotes came from - Mantell's journal, correspondence, or press etc.
Nevertheless, an attractive book, which no-one with any sort of interest in Mantell will want to be without.