The revelation of an iron drill, astonishingly encased in coal dating back millions of years, ignited a whirlwind of curiosity when John Buchanan presented it to the world on December 13, 1852. Unearthed from deep within a coal seam, protected by over two meters of resilient clay, this remarkable artifact raised perplexing questions about its origin and age.
Buchanan quickly brought his extraordinary find to the attention of the Scottish Society of Antiquaries, where it became the center of rigorous scrutiny and spirited discussion. The drill’s strikingly advanced design, reminiscent of modern engineering marvels, led many to speculate that it might be a remnant of an ancient mining operation. Yet, Buchanan challenged this narrative, pointing out the conspicuous lack of drilling marks around the coal, which suggested that this enigmatic artifact had formed naturally within its dark embrace.
During a captivating session at the society, Buchanan recounted the circumstances of its discovery, which took place near Glasgow during the construction of the Great Western Road to the Botanic Gardens, a project overseen by the skilled architect Robert Lindsay. It was his nephew, Robert Lindsay Jr., an apprentice on the site, who first unearthed the tool, revealing it three meters beneath the surface, nestled securely within a chunk of coal.
Once liberated from its earthy prison, the drill drew crowds of curious villagers, and numerous eyewitness accounts were collected by Buchanan from five workers who had witnessed its dramatic emergence from the coal.
Buchanan staunchly upheld
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