History of Ichnology: John Joly (1857–1933) on Oldhamia: Poetic and Scientific Observations

Abstract

John Joly was an Irish engineer and geologist who in the 1880s attempted to explain the formation of Cambrian markings known as Oldhamia to the freezing of sediment and the development of surface frost. He also noted differences in the preservation of two forms of Oldhamia when found together in the same bed; these were either as a positive or negative. Oldhamia also inspired Joly to write a sonnet in which he considered geochronology, denudation and the history of life. A detailed interpretation of Joly's sonnet is provided for the first time.

Keywords:

• John Joly
• Oldhamia
• Ichnology
• Geochronology