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Awful changes cartoon
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Awful changes cartoon
Satirical pen and ink cartoon by Henry T De la Beche c.1830, depicting Charles Lyell (centre) as Professor Ichthyosaurus
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Media ID 8585155
© Mary Evans Picture Library 2015 - https://copyrighthub.org/s0/hub1/creation/maryevans/MaryEvansPictureID/10716597
1797 1875 Awful Diapsid Diapsida Fossil Fossilised Humourous Ichthyosaur Ichthyosauria Ichthyosauridae Ichthyosaurus Lyell Professor Reptile Reptiles Reptilia Satire 1796 1855 Changes De La Beche
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This satirical pen and ink cartoon, titled "Awful Changes," was created by the renowned English artist Henry T. De La Beche around the year 1830. The cartoon depicts a humorous scene featuring Charles Lyell, a prominent geologist and pivotal figure in the development of the scientific theory of uniformitarianism, as Professor Ichthyosaurus. The illustration showcases Lyell, dressed in academic attire, standing in a library surrounded by various marine reptiles and fossils. The presence of these prehistoric creatures in a contemporary setting is meant to highlight the revolutionary idea that the earth's fossil record represents the remains of once-living organisms, rather than the result of a cataclysmic event. De La Beche, known for his expertise in the field of palaeontology, adds an extra layer of humor to the scene by depicting Lyell as Ichthyosaurus, a large marine reptile that was among the first ichthyosaurs to be discovered and named. This playful representation of Lyell underscores the significant impact his theories had on the scientific community's understanding of the earth's history and the classification of reptiles. The cartoon's title, "Awful Changes," is a reference to the transformative nature of Lyell's ideas, which challenged the prevailing beliefs of his time and paved the way for a more scientifically grounded understanding of the natural world. The cartoon's intricate penwork and attention to detail showcase De La Beche's exceptional artistic skills and his ability to blend scientific accuracy with humor. This nineteenth-century illustration is a testament to the fascinating world of diapsid reptiles, including the Ichthyosauria and Ichthyosauridae, which were discovered during the period between 1796 and 1875. The cartoon's enduring appeal lies in its ability to capture the spirit of scientific discovery and the sense of wonder that comes with unraveling the mysteries of the natural world.
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