Even if Man City forgot about poor Yaya Toure's birthday, we will be remembering the birthday of one of geology's greats: Mary Anning. Born 215 years ago today she was a pioneer in palaeontology. Mary’s extensive fossil collecting and expertise were well regarded during her lifetime, but after her death she has become a legendary figure in the Earth sciences. No child’s book or magazine on prehistoric life would be complete without the iconic image of Mary clutching her hammer.