Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SUNDAY, February 14, 1993 TAG: 9302150283
SECTION: EDITORIAL PAGE: D-2 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE:
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
STATE FOSSIL A TRIBUTE TO A GREAT BAY
IN RESPONSE to your proposal (Jan. 16 Briefly Put, "How about a state slug") for a state slug:Had you researched the significance of my proposal for a state fossil, I don't believe this letter would be necessary.
Thomas Jefferson wrote in his "Notes on the State of Virginia" that fossils are the basis for our understanding of natural history, and Virginians, he included, have always demonstrated a great appreciation for natural history.
The Chesapecten Jeffersonius was the first fossil to be described and illustrated from America. Indeed, the specimen from which this species was described - currently located in the British Museum of Natural History - was gathered by a naturalist during a trip around the commonwealth in 1824 that included a stay at Monticello.
That fossil, an extinct scallop, was deposited approximately 4.5 million years ago at a time when the sea level was up to Richmond. The Chesapecten Jeffersonius is extremely abundant along Virginia rivers in the Tidewater and is found almost exclusively in Virginia.
Describing his research on fossils, Jefferson noted: "Near the eastern foot of North Mountain are immense bodies of schist, containing impressions of shells in a variety of forms. I have received petrified shells of various kinds from the first sources of the Kentucky [River], which have been no resemblance to any I have even seen on the Tide-waters."
Not being content to mention the differences between various fossils, Jefferson then went on to posit at least three possible explanations for the presence of fossils at various locations, including heights far above existing sea levels. These included ancient sea beds, global deluge and calcification of deteriorated shells.
Ever the scientist, Jefferson proceeded to confess that these three hypotheses were "equally unsatisfactory," but he preferred the latter. In explaining the phenomenon of these fossils, he coined his well-known phrase on ignorance and error, to wit: "Ignorance is preferable to error; and he is less remote from the truth who believes nothing, than he who believes what is wrong."
Dr. Gerald Johnson, a geology professor at the College of William and Mary, and Donald W. Edgemon, a senior at Park View High School, deserve recognition for recommending the Chesapecten Jeffersonius as the official state fossil.
By designating this state fossil, we help celebrate the Chesapeake Bay, the largest estuary in the world. CHARLES L. WADDELL Senator, 33rd District LEESBURG