Abstract
In the world of paleontology, few names evoke more derision than that of Johann Bartholomew Adam Beringer. Nevertheless, this learned man, who lived in the 18th century, had impressive credentials. He was dean of the Faculty of Medicine at Würzburg in Germany, chief physician to the prince-bishop of the town, as well as chief physician of the Julian Hospital. He had broad interests, was an indefatigable scholar, lectured on a variety of subjects, and wrote several volumes including one entitled Lithographiae Wirceburgensis, which propelled him into infamy. This interesting treatise described special stones that had been collected in the field, including many fossils as well as other meaningful finds which often ended up in his personal collection. In his book were descriptions of peculiar stones with representations of birds, bees, flowers, spiders, Hebrew alphabet characters, the moon, stars, and the rising sun.