Mary Anning was one of the founders of modern palaeontology, being the first to discover a complete plesiosaur in 1823, as well as amassing a large collection of fossils that she found along the English coastline. Seeing a letter from her, then, where she states she's "sick of fossils" is deeply special and a bit funny, even taking into consideration how rare letters from her actually are. The letter is a rare bit of history and an insight into a woman who shaped much of our modern cultural world, but who doesn't get the attention she deserves.
It looks like this is a commonly believed myth. It looks like it actually originates from the vaudeville circuit in the early 20th century, where it was playing with phrases from the mid-19th century.
For years, I was among those who believed that particular myth. After following your link, I not only don't believe it anymore, I also don't believe what I used to think was true about where Ring Around the Rosie comes from.
What's worse, not only did I believe those two origin myths, I played my little part in helping propagate them.
So that's two beliefs punctured and thoroughly deflated in about 15 minutes.
Thanks?
(No, really, thanks. That was two good and interesting reads. Cheers and best of luck out there.)
[OP] Quouar | 16 hours ago
Mary Anning was one of the founders of modern palaeontology, being the first to discover a complete plesiosaur in 1823, as well as amassing a large collection of fossils that she found along the English coastline. Seeing a letter from her, then, where she states she's "sick of fossils" is deeply special and a bit funny, even taking into consideration how rare letters from her actually are. The letter is a rare bit of history and an insight into a woman who shaped much of our modern cultural world, but who doesn't get the attention she deserves.
Lord_rook | 15 hours ago
Isn't the "She sells sea shells on the sea shore" tongue twister about her?
[OP] Quouar | 14 hours ago
It looks like this is a commonly believed myth. It looks like it actually originates from the vaudeville circuit in the early 20th century, where it was playing with phrases from the mid-19th century.
Negative_Gravitas | 13 hours ago
Well dang. TIL.
For years, I was among those who believed that particular myth. After following your link, I not only don't believe it anymore, I also don't believe what I used to think was true about where Ring Around the Rosie comes from.
What's worse, not only did I believe those two origin myths, I played my little part in helping propagate them.
So that's two beliefs punctured and thoroughly deflated in about 15 minutes.
Thanks?
(No, really, thanks. That was two good and interesting reads. Cheers and best of luck out there.)
[OP] Quouar | 13 hours ago
Heh, if it helps, I also learned more about folklore from the link, and appreciate that you asked so I could learn. :)
Negative_Gravitas | 13 hours ago
Wasn't me, boss! I was just innocently scrolling along before falling into the rabbit hole you uncovered.
Glad I followed it, though. Cheers again!
Lord_rook | 13 hours ago
You mean QI lied to me?
[OP] Quouar | 13 hours ago
Not intentionally! Never intentionally!
silvermouth | 15 hours ago
I find these tidbits very amusing. Very much like Darwin's endless groaning about hating plants, himself, and "every wave in the ocean".
sanctaphrax | 13 hours ago
https://news.lettersofnote.com/p/oh-my-god-how-i-do-hate-species-and
25hourenergy | 6 hours ago
> I am very poorly today & very stupid & hate everybody & everything.
Man this is so relatable
Brickzarina | 14 hours ago
I think she would be amazed at our fossil understanding now.
Higsman | 11 hours ago
I believe she was a heavy inspiration for the RDR2 character Deborah MacGuiness who has you collect fossils for her
Fit-Food9562 | 15 hours ago
zup can i promote my yt channel all about history?
KewpieCutie97 | 14 hours ago
No.