GSN Winnemucca Chapter Meeting – Thursday, January 8th

Abstract: This talk outlines the early history of paleontology, focusing on key figures and their contributions to dinosaur discovery in the 19th century. Pioneers such as Mary Anning, William Buckland, Gideon Mantell, and Charles Lyell advanced the understanding of prehistoric life, though their work was often dismissed or overshadowed by controversy. The rivalry between Edward Drinker Cope and Othniel Charles Marsh, known as the Bone Wars, spurred significant discoveries and professional conflicts in the late 1800s. Despite their personal struggles and professional challenges, their research laid the groundwork for modern paleontology. Subsequent discoveries, including Tyrannosaurus rex in 1900, continued to shape the field.

Bio: Richard Dorman attended The Mackay School of Mines at the University of Nevada, Reno. He graduated in 1976 with a B.S. in geology and began his career in Moab, UT with Atlas Minerals. He’s worked in Alaska, Australia, Indonesia, Mexico, Canada, and all over the western United State. Along with the job titles of Exploration Geologist, Mine Geologist, and VP of Exploration, Richard has also worked as a Research Metallurgist, Assayer, Chief Ghemist, Refinery Manager, and Environmental Manager for an explosives plant. Today, Richard is semi-retired, and on the Board of Directors for a small Canadian junior mining company.