G4 – The Bone Wars – Approaching – 04

Among the leading scientists of the day were Edward Cope and Othniel Charles Marsh. They were both at the top of their field. They were once friends but quickly became rivals. They both wanted to make the next grand discoveries. Their tactics used were not typical of Science exploration. Often times these two men resorted to bribery, spying, and stealing workers. There are even reports of them stealing fossils from one another. This rivalry was not productive for the men. Neither was it helpful for the American Science Community. This era of scientific pursuit is often referred to as the “Bone Wars”.

During the years 1877 to 1892, both men used their own money to finance their trips. They were desperate to discover, describe, and name new species. Their quests caused both men to go broke. Their rush to make discoveries also led to careless work.

In one such case, Cope was showing Marsh a large skeleton. Marsh pointed out that the vertebrae (backbones) were oriented backwards. Another leading paleontologist of the day, Joseph Leidy, came in to resolve the issue. Upon seeing the fossil skeleton, Leidy took off the head. He walked to the other end of the creature. He then attached the head on what Cope thought to be the tail. In his rush to make another great find, Cope had made a critical error.