Blue-crowned Parakeets, Aratinga acuticauda. There are probably four species of parakeet that have established populations in the south of England, probably descendants from accidental or deliberate releases of captive birds.

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Earth sciences library

Library information and enquiries

The Library contains three distinct collections of international importance, incorporating regional geological collections. In addition to printed books and serials, the collections include manuscripts, maps, photographs, microforms, artwork and ephemera.

Superbe groupe de grands cristaux d’Aigue marine de Siberie

Superbe groupe de grands cristaux d’Aigue marine de Siberie

Mineralogy:

A vibrant collection covering most areas in the discipline from the 16th century to present day. British mineralogy in particular is well represented.

Significant works and collections include those by William Hamilton, Philip Rashleigh, Francois Louis Desfontaines Swebach, James Sowerby, Georgius Agricola, James Dwight Dana and Arthur Russell.

The Library holds the renowned photograph collection from the Challenger Expedition (1872 – 1876) and the library of John Murray, naturalist on the voyage.

Anthropology:

The collections relate to physical and biological anthropology and human evolution. They are both of historic and current relevance to the field of palaeo-anthropology as well as very up to date information. The Library holds manuscript material relating to the Piltdown hoax, including papers by Joseph Weiner and Kenneth Oakley and reconstruction drawings by Maurice Wilson.

Marine reptiles by Benjamin Waterhouse Hawkins (1809-1889)

Marine reptiles by Benjamin Waterhouse Hawkins (1809-1889)

Palaeontology:

Our collections date from the 16th century to the present day, charting the history of geology as it developed from an 'amateur pastime' to a recognised scientific discipline. Significant works include those by Gideon Mantell, Georges Cuvier, Charles Lyell, James Hutton, Henry De La Beche, Roderick Murchison and William Buckland.

The collection includes important material relating to women in the history of geology, such as Dorothea Bate, Mary Anning and Elizabeth Gray.

We also hold significant art collections (both original work and prints) including items by Benjamin Waterhouse Hawkins, Neave Parker and Richard Owen are held.

The Library has a large collection of geological maps with worldwide coverage. These range from the 19th century (including William Smith) to the 21st century. Please contact the Library for details and for access concerning the map collections.


Earth Sciences enquiries

Earth Sciences Library
Natural History Museum
Cromwell Road,
London SW7 5BD UK
Tel: +44 (0) 20 7942 5476
Fax: +44 (0) 20 7942 5559
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