From 18th century Fossils research, we learn about the wisdom of those who hold
different views to our own. From Fossils to crop circle research.

It should be very clear to us by now, that one of the most ugly traits of human beings is to harm in some way those who hold different views. For that reason alone some people go to extraordinary lengths.
 
For those who do not believe in crop circles or do believe in them, but do not share the theories explaining them, many resort out of frustration or anger, and trying to humiliate those holding the belief or theory. 
 
As a direct result of these harmful endeavors comes a new and much more complex scene.  Once the new human constructed material enters the arena, people are hurt, reputations are damaged, enthusiasm and spirits are diminished.
 
The following is a true record of one professional who was deliberately damaged by two men for no other reason than they disagreed with his views on fossils.  You will no doubt see striking comparisons to the crop circle research scene since 1991.
 
From Fossils to Crop Circles:
 
A fossil hoax known as "Beringer's Autographed Stones" was so  successful that a university professor published a book about the fake fossils. 

In the early 18th century fossils were still a matter of considerable debate among geologists.  Dr. Hohann Bartholemew Adam Beringer, of the medical faculty at Wuerzberg, held the view that fossils were
mostly not the remains of animals, but rather the handiwork of God,  made to please Him.

Two men who disagreed with his views carved various shapes into stones and planted them at Beringer's favorite digging site.  Beringer  believed these fake fossils to be produced by the direct intervention
of God, and as the hoaxers planted more and more preposterous fakes,  Beringer became even more excited.

The hoax was eventually revealed, and Beringer was so embarrassed that he bought back as many copies of his book as he could find, at great expense.

The hoax ruined the reputations of everyone involved:  http://www.lhup.edu/~dsimanek/berstone.htm

Colin Andrews