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Coprolite Renaissance
The Discovery, Science, Art, and Industry of England's Coprolites from 1824 to 1918
PHOTO GALLERIES BELOW
1824
In the early 19th century, the fossil hunter and enthusiast Mary Anning discovered peculiar oval-shaped stones near Lyme Regis, commonly referred to as “bezoar stones” or “fossil fir cones”. Upon breaking them apart, she found fossilized bones and scales inside. Anning shared her discoveries with the English theologian, paleontologist, and geologist William Buckland, who determined that the “bezoar stones” were actually pieces of fossilized feces from prehistoric ichthyosaurs.
1829
On February 6, 1829, English geologist William Buckland published the first scientific paper on coprolites, titled "On the Discovery of Coprolites, or Fossil Faeces, in the Lias at Lyme Regis, and in Other Formations" in the Transactions of the Geological Society of London, Vol. III: 223-236.
Following the publication, Henry De la Beche, another English geologist, produced a lithograph caricature titled "A Coprolitic Vision." The humorous artwork depicts Buckland entering a cave full of prehistoric creatures, all of whom are in the act of defecating. Even Buckland has a pile of poop between his legs in the drawing.
1830
English geologist Henry De la Beche created the first known artistic representation of prehistoric times, entitled "Duria Antiquior, a more ancient Dorset", using watercolors. This artwork features various prehistoric creatures interacting with each other and their environment, including some depicted defecating. De la Beche was inspired by fossils discovered by Mary Anning. He later commissioned professional artist George Scharf to create lithographic prints of his watercolor. William Buckland and De la Beche sold these prints at lectures and donated the proceeds to support Anning, who was facing financial difficulties. In the 19th century, other artists created their own versions of Duria Antiquior.
1836
William Buckland's detailed analysis on coprolites was published in his two-volume work, "Geology and Mineralogy Considered with Reference to Natural Theology." Volume I and Volume II both contain information on coprolites, with Volume II featuring the first scientific illustrations of coprolites.
1842
Reverend John Stevens Henslow discovered vast quantities of phosphate-rich coprolite nodules in the Red Crag at Felixstowe in Suffolk. He experimented with pouring sulfuric acid onto coprolites, which resulted in the formation of monocalcium phosphate or superphosphate. He determined that this new product could potentially be used as fertilizer in agriculture, but he did not seek fame or compensation from his discovery.
Later, John Bennet Lawes also discovered independently that pouring sulfuric acid on phosphate rock and coprolites resulted in superphosphate. He patented this process and launched the artificial manure industry, which revolutionized agriculture by providing a more efficient way to fertilize crops. Lawes' patent earned him substantial wealth and he continued to refine his methods throughout his career.
1843
John Lawes' Artificial Manure Company became highly successful and profitable, and he continued to innovate in the fertilizer industry. He established the Rothamsted Experimental Station in 1843 to conduct scientific research on agriculture and fertilizer development. The station is still in operation today and is considered one of the oldest agricultural research institutions in the world.
The coprolite mining industry in the east of England boomed in the mid-19th century, with thousands of workers employed in the mines and processing plants. However, by the 1880s, the industry began to decline due to the depletion of easily accessible coprolite deposits and the rise of synthetic fertilizers.
1843-1881
During the coprolite mining boom, workers could earn nearly four times their average salary by digging up fossilized feces, making it a popular job despite the dangers involved in using mostly hand tools. Landowners profited from high-paying leases and local businesses thrived as over 80 companies produced and exported superphosphates.
William Colchester, a businessman, linguist, and geologist from Ipswich, obtained control over much of the coprolite-rich lands in the Eastern Counties through leases with landowners, and he would sell his coprolites to fertilizer companies manufacturing superphosphates, including Lawes.
Scientists actively studied and experimented on coprolites during this time, hoping to make new discoveries that could potentially be very profitable.
1872
John Lawes sold Lawes Artificial Manure Company for £300,000 (roughly £9 million today) to a group of investors. The name of the company was changed to Lawes’ Chemical Manure Company LTD and Lawes stayed on as a consultant. Longtime competitor, William Colchester, was one of the investors and became the Chairman of the company.
1881-1914
The coprolite industry went through a rapid decline due to an influx of cheaper superphosphates, mainly from the USA. Many superphosphate companies went out of business, and others changed their strategy to maintain a foothold in the market.
William Colchester, with the support of John Lawes, created a spinoff brand of superphosphate fertilizer derived from coprolites called “Pure Ichthemic Guano.” This fertilizer was marketed primarily to home gardeners and became popular among amateur horticulturists.
1914-1918
World War 1 brought a short-lived revival to the coprolite industry. Phosphates derived from coprolites were needed for making explosives and fertilizer during WW1. When the German Navy threatened foreign phosphate supplies by attacking merchant fleets, the British Ministry of Munitions responded by setting up significant coprolite operations near Cambridge to ensure a domestic supply was available.
Historic Coprolite Artifacts & Images
Mary Anning, her hammer, and dog
Coprolite Mining - Trumpington, England, Circa 1916
The following images are scans from a collection of original prints from the Poozeum’s vast holdings. They were taken in December 1916 at the Trumpington coprolite operations outside of Cambridge. They are some of the most remarkable photos available showcasing the British coprolite industry and the people who worked in it.
Ministry of Munitions of War building at the Trumpington coprolite facility
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