History of fossil preparation

[DrDave]

Can anyone explain or provide sources on methods of fossil preparation during the 19th Century? I am interested in what tools, chemicals(if any), etc., were used to prepare fossils from the mid to late 19th century.

 

I recently read one of Beecher’s papers from 1893 with a drawing of the antennae and legs of the Triarthus he found in the pyritized Lagerstätte ein Rome NY and was curious how they prepped fossils at that time?

Also, when was air abrasion introduced?
 

Thank you

[Tidgy's Dad]

Here's an article with just a little info on the history of air abrasion on fossils.

Apparently it was first used in the 1890's! 

But only became popular in the 1960's. 

http://vertpaleo.org/Education-Resources/Preparators-Resources-PDF-files/Air-Abrasives_Cavigelli_2007.aspx

[JohnJ]

2 minutes ago, Tidgy's Dad said:

Here's an article with just a little info on the history of air abrasion on fossils.

Apparently it was first used in the 1890's! 

But only became popular in the 1960's. 

http://vertpaleo.org/Education-Resources/Preparators-Resources-PDF-files/Air-Abrasives_Cavigelli_2007.aspx

 

Courtesy of @jpc 

[Tidgy's Dad]

Just now, JohnJ said:

 

Courtesy of @jpc 

Oh, golly, so it is! 

Didn't know his full name, I'm sorry to say. 

My apologies @jpc

[piranha]

Here is the description of Beecher's prep and illustration for the pyritized Triarthrus specimens:

 

 

Raymond, P.E. 1920

The Appendages, Anatomy, and Relationships of Trilobites.

Memoirs of the Connecticut Academy of Arts and Sciences, 7:1-169  PDF LINK

[DrDave]

40 minutes ago, piranha said:

Here is the description of Beecher's prep and illustration for the pyritized Triarthrus specimens:

 

 

Raymond, P.E. 1920

The Appendages, Anatomy, and Relationships of Trilobites.

Memoirs of the Connecticut Academy of Arts and Sciences, 7:1-169  PDF LINK

Perfect! Exactly what I was interested in!!

 

Thank you

[jpc]

regretfully I cannot remember where I got this tidbit of information fro my powerpoint:

 

"Sandblasting first used on trilobites in the 1890’s (!!!) by H. M. Bernard."

 

(if anyone has any questions about the sandblasting ppt, feel free to pm me.)