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Science Frontiers ONLINE No. 77: Sep-Oct 1991 |
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Anthracite man?
It is not surprising that the discovery described below has not made its way into mainstream scientific literature. Most mainstream anthropologists would shy away from human bones reputed to come from anthracite coal measures hundreds of millions of years old! Our source is a small newspaper in eastern Pennsylvania.
Scientifically acceptable hominid fossils are no older than a few million years at most. So, when anyone cognizant of prevailing paradigms enters the Greater Hazelton Historical Society Museum, he is astonished to find an:
"...elaborate display of rock-like objects found in the anthracite region by Ed Conrad who insists, based on his 10 years of exhaustive research and scientific testing, that he possesses undeniable evidence that they are petrified bones."Society officials undoubtedly are impressed because a small sign displayed on a front window carries some very large words: 'This is the only museum in the world where petrified bones, found between coal veins, are on display.'"
The photos accompanying the newspaper article certainly portray objects that "look like" human skulls. E. Conrad also asserts that he had also found hominid jawbones, teeth, a femur, and even a petrified brain! (Anonymous; "Bone Display Draws National Interest," Hazelton Standard Speaker, December 8, 1990. Cr. L. Farish.)
Comment. From the newspaper article it is impossible to learn what professional geologists and anthropologists think about these purported fossils. So, caveat emptor.
Actually, hominid fossils have been reported from coal veins before, notably the "Abominable Coalman" found in an Italian coal mine. See Ancient Man.