837 – Fossils – Devil’s Toenails

Physical description:

2 large fossil shells, one grey, one brownish, snail-shell-like; known as "devil's toenails".

Museum classification:

Sea Witchcraft

Size:

70 x 45 x 30 mm each.

Information:

These are fossils of an extinct species of oyster.
According to the "Fossil Folklore" section of the Natural History Museum website, they were used to treat painful joints, and a powder was used to treat soreness of the back in horses. Known as 'Devil's Toenails'.

Resource:

Object

Materials:

Stone

These are fossils of an extinct species of oyster.
According to the "Fossil Folklore" section of the Natural History Museum website, they were used to treat painful joints, and a powder was used to treat soreness of the back in horses. Known as 'Devil's Toenails'.