Interpreting the origin of mammals: new approaches to the history of palaeontology |
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Authors: | ADRIAN DESMOND |
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Affiliation: | 8, Albert Terrace Mews, London NW1 7TA |
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Abstract: | New sociological techniques in the history of science are described. Their value is illustrated by reinterpreting the diagnostic disputes which occurred following the first discovery of the Stonesfield mammals. It is concluded that contextual explanations are more sympathetic to early savants and more conducive to the integration of science and social history. |
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Keywords: | History of palaeontology sociology of knowledge Amphithenum Mesozoic mammals |
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