The Other Side of the Medal is a personal account of the human side of the late Everett C. Olson's distinguished career as a paleobiologist. Origins and the combination of events that led to a formal
The Other Side of the Medal is a personal account of the human side of the late Everett C. Olson's distinguished career as a paleobiologist. Origins and the combination of events that led to a formal education at the University of Chicago, the selection of a career, and an interest in the Permian are reviewed. Then Olson vividly describes two decades of field work in Texas, emphasizing the people, places and events that he and his co-workers encountered there at mid-century. The second half of the book is devoted to Olson's pioneering efforts in establishing and strengthening ties between paleontologists of the US and USSR during the Cold War years and especially his deepening friendship with Professor Ivan A. Efremov. Olson and Efremov, two scientists from different cultures, wrestled with opposing philosophies but shared common interests and emotions. This book will certainly be of interest to the many people who have known Dr. Olson as colleague, mentor, and/or friend. For the general reader, the book provides insights into the career of a distinguished contemporary scientist and represents an important chapter in the 20th century history of paleontology, earth science, and international scientific relations.
Everett C. Olson had a long and distinguished career as a vertebrate paleontologist. "Ole" received his formal higher education at the University of Chicago. Upon completing his doctorate in 1935, he joined the faculty of the Department of Geology at his alma mater. In 1969, he left Chicago to join the Department of Biology at UCLA, where he taught until his retirement in 1977. He passed away in 1993. Olson’s research focused on the evolution of lower vertebrates from the Permocarboniferous; the origin of mammals; and the taphonomy, biogeography, and evolution of fossil communities. From this research have come 170 scientific papers and six books in the field of paleontology. In recognition of his scientific accomplishments and service to his discipline, Ole received the Paleontological Medal of the Paleontological Society and the Distinguished Service Medal of the Society of Vertebrate Paleontology. His autobiography, The Other Side of the Medal, is therefore, appropriately titled.
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