Re: fossil collecting

[Stan Friesen <swf@ElSegundoCA.ATTGIS.COM>]

>From: Robert.J.Meyerson@uwrf.edu (Rob Meyerson)
 > It seems to me that there is an immense distrust of anyone collecting
 >  fossils who does not have a degree or two under his/her belt.
 > I wonder if this is due to arrogance on our part, thinking that
 > anyone who does not have the schooling cannot be trusted.

Actually, part of it is that those who have training know how easy
it is to screw up a collection.  Even many "professional" excavations
are seriously botched.  How many people realize that it is important
to record the *exact* location and orientation of *each* bone removed?
How many know how to remove bone without damaging it? (I know *I*
don't know how to do that).  Just digging the bones up and hauling
them to the museum may destroy half the scientific value of the bones.


This is NOT a matter of trust in the sense of whether the finds
will be used for personal gain or not, it is a matter of trying
to get the highest probability of informative removal.


Almost every professional paleontologist knows first hand of at least
*one* situation where better records would have resolved or avoided
a substantial research issue.

swf@elsegundoca.attgis.com              sarima@netcom.com

The peace of God be with you.