Fossils in folklore

Fossils have been known to people since at least Palaeolithic times, when they were employed decoratively. However, it was not until the 17th century that the true origin of fossils became widely acknowledged. In the interim period, a rich folklore developed around fossils, including some bizarre beliefs about their origins and medicinal and magical properties. Names such as thunderbolts, tonguestones, toadstones, snakestones and Devil's Toenails became widely used for different types of fossils in Britain. Fossil folklore not only played an important part in the early history of palaeontology but also serves to underline the role of comparative morphology and the need for living analogues if we are to interpret fossils correctly.