ABSTRACT
This chapter evaluates Mary Anning's role in the development of different branches of science and provides an example of a scientist with faith. It presents a picture of science rooted in observation and deduction. The chapter looks at her life, work and faith and sets her important contribution to science in the context of her deeply held religious belief. An understanding of Anning's role in the development of the sciences of geology, paleontology and evolutionary theory, and her significance for women in science is rightly a part of the primary science curriculum in the United Kingdom. The Anning family were Christians and worshipped as part of a Congregationalist community where Mary received much of her early education. As was the case with many children at the time Mary's education was quite limited. Mary appears to have been a keen and able student and taught herself a great deal through reading whatever she could find on the subject.
