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Discovery of the Piltdown Man in 1911
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Discovery of the Piltdown Man in 1911
BAL4279 Discovery of the Piltdown Man in 1911 by Cooke, Arthur Claude (1867-1951); Geological Society, London, UK; (add.info.: discovered in 1912 by Charles Dawson; )
Media ID 25157162
© Bridgeman Images
Arthur Conan Doyle Forgery Fraud Hoax Hominid Paleontologist Prehistoric Skull Missing Link
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This print captures a pivotal moment in the history of paleontology - the discovery of the Piltdown Man in 1911. The image, taken by Arthur Claude Cooke, showcases a group of esteemed scientists from the Geological Society in London, UK, gathered around what was believed to be an extraordinary find. Little did they know at the time that this finding would later become one of the greatest hoaxes in scientific history. Discovered by Charles Dawson in 1912, this supposed missing link between humans and apes turned out to be an elaborate forgery revealed as a fraud in 1953. The photograph depicts renowned figures such as Arthur Smith Woodward, Teilhard de Chardin, and even Arthur Conan Doyle himself who had initially supported its authenticity. Their expressions range from excitement to curiosity as they examine the skull of Eoanthropus dawsoni - later exposed as nothing more than cleverly manipulated bones. Despite being debunked decades after its initial unveiling, this image serves as a reminder of both human fallibility and our relentless pursuit for knowledge about our prehistoric origins. It stands not only as evidence of deception but also as a testament to how science can self-correct over time. Bridgeman Images has preserved this historical snapshot for us to reflect upon - reminding us that even amidst great discoveries there can sometimes lie hidden motives and deceitful intentions.
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