The models were unveiled in 1854 as the first dinosaur sculptures in the world and represent the cutting edge of scientific knowledge at the time (though we are now aware of the huge inaccuracies displayed by these models). They demonstrate particularly well the changing beliefs regarding the genealogy of dinosaurs, where those who came before us thought the dinosaurs to be giant lizards with tails that dragged along the ground and thick scaly skin. This has changed to the realisation that dinosaurs are more closely related to the pigeon than any living reptile.
Despite the scientific inaccuracies, the inhabitants of Crystal Palace, and London as a whole, have seemingly been enamoured with them since their first exhibition, being the subject of many children stories in which they come to life and even receiving admiration from Charles Dickens in a newspaper article.Just as a hundred years ago these sculptures awakened a love for dinosaurs in many people and young children they too created a fascination in the natural world and prehistory in a toddler version of me as i’m sure they will continue to do so for plenty others in years to come.
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Source: www.times-series.co.uk
This notice was published: 2023-11-07 20:04:47
Times Series, The News from the London borough of Barnet, and Borehamwood & Elstree.