Ref NoLDGSL/82/4
TitleDrawing of a fossil fish from the Magnesian Limestone, Sunderland (Chaetodon)
Date[c.1814]
LevelItem
Extent1 item
FormatPhotograph/drawing/painting/print
DescriptionLarge, monochrome, ink wash drawing entitled 'Impression of a fish found in the Magnesian Limestone, in Mr [John] Goodchild's Quarry near Sunderland, the original specimen in the Sunderland Museum', drawn at large by John Dobson, Newcastle upon Tyne, [c.1814]. The image shows the part and counterpart of a fossil fish.

Nathaniel Winch gave the following description: "Organic remains are rarely met within this limestone. The most remarkable one was found in a quarry at Low Pallion. It is the impression of a fish which appears to belong to the genus Chaetodon. In length it is about 8 1/2 inches, and 4 1/2 in breadth. The dorsal fin reaches from the middle of the back to the tail."

A further description of the strata where the fish was found appears in: Clanny, W R, 'Annals of Philosophy', vol 6 (1815), pp115-117, however the accompanying plate does not resemble the above image. One of the parts of the specimen also appears in Agassiz, J L R, 'Recherches sur les Poissons Fossiles' (1833-1843/1844), Vol 2, Tab 18, fig 3 as 'Platysomus parvus' [listed in Woodward & Sherborn as 'Platysomus striatus']
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ProvenanceThe item was found in the plan chest in the Archives vault, and despite it being part of the original portfolio series was uncatalogued. As the illustration appears in Winch's paper (see publication note below), it is added to this series.
Access ConditionsAccess is by appointment only. Please contact the Archivist for further information.
LanguageEnglish
Publication NotePublished in: Winch, N J. "Observations on the geology of Northumberland and Durham", 'Transactions of the Geological Society of London', (1st series), vol 4 (1817), pp1-101, plate 2. The original paper was read on 18 March 1814.
ArchNoteSources: Winch, N J. "Observations on the geology of Northumberland and Durham", 'Transactions of the Geological Society of London', (1st series), vol 4 (1817), pp1-101; Agassiz, J L R 'Recherches sur les Poissons Fossiles' (1833-1843); Woodward, A S & C D Sherborn, 'Catalogue of British Fossil Vertebrata', (1890). Description by Caroline Lam
CreatorNameDOBSON | John | fl c.1814 | artist
SubjectPermian
Persons
CodePersonNameDates
DS/UK/169WINCH; Nathaniel John (1768-1838); botanist1768-1838
DS/UK/1732DOBSON; John (fl 1814); artistfl 1814
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