The drill found encased in coal from millions of years ago sparked considerable intrigue when John Buchanan unveiled it on December 13, 1852. This artifact, an iron tool, was discovered within a coal seam ensconced in a layer of clay over two meters thick, presenting a conundrum to the scientific community about its origin and age.
Buchanan reported his find to the Scottish Society of Antiquaries, where it was examined and debated extensively. The tool itself exhibited characteristics of advanced craftsmanship akin to modern engineering, yet the society proposed it might simply be a relic from a past mining operation gone awry. Nonetheless, Buchanan contested this view, citing the absence of any drilling marks or disturbances around the coal, suggesting the artifact had been naturally embedded.
On the record during the society’s meeting on the day of discovery, Buchanan detailed how the tool was found in the vicinity of Glasgow, unearthed during the construction of the Great Western Road leading to the Botanic Gardens. The project was under the supervision of Robert Lindsay, a reputable architect and builder known for his meticulous nature. The discovery was made by Lindsay’s apprentice and nephew, Robert Lindsay Jr., who found the drill three meters below the surface, unexpectedly encased in a coal block.
Displayed to numerous villagers after its extraction and cleaning, the tool was both a mystery and a marvel, confirmed by many eyewitnesses. Additionally, Buchanan collected statements from five workers who saw the tool emerge from its ancient cocoon.
Buchanan stood by the geological insights suggesting that the coal’s age far exceeded the timeline of human civilization, yet he was fascinated by the sophisticated nature of the embedded iron tool. He advocated for the credibility of the witnesses who saw the relic uncovered, arguing for further exploration into how such an artifact could find its way into such depths. His steadfast belief in the authenticity and significance of the find adds an intriguing chapter to the collection of historical anomalies that challenge our understanding of past civilizations.
