Hands-on palaeontology. A practical manual / Практическая палеонтология. Практическое пособие

At a time when the DNA of Neanderthal Man has been sequenced and Jurassic World hints at possible future breakthroughs, however improbable, fossils have an undoubtedly high profile. Collecting fossils is a popular hobby. There is a wealth of helpful literature and websites which will help you to put an accurate name on your latest find, and to identify the various component parts of the skeleton. But – what next? How can you curate and conserve your specimen so that it retains its physical integrity and scientific value? What features enable you to interpret your specimen as the remains of a living organism? How was it preserved? Where might you find like-minded collectors? And where can further specimens be found? Too many questions, yet here are the answers. Hands-On Palaeontology is a comprehensive introduction to these and many other aspects of palaeontology.
There are many books on palaeontology, aimed at amateurs, undergraduates, research students and other aspiring academics. Perhaps commonest amongst these are what might be called guides to identification, from the general (basic texts on fossil variety and morphology) to the specific (field guides to specific groups, localities or horizons). Many of these are readable, comprehensive and provide good advice. Although I am no longer aspiring, I still enjoy buying and reading such volumes, as each and every one contains something that is new and useful to me. Over the years they have helped keep me informed, as well as educating me about new ideas and research tools, and encouraging me to spread my palaeontological wings. <...>