Berringer's Fossil Forgery Fiasco

In 1725, Dr. Johann Berringer, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Würzburg, was pranked by colleagues who planted over 2000 fake "lapides figurati" (stones with recognizable images). Despite obvious signs, such as stones forming insects and a Hebrew text spelling "Jehovah," Berringer published a book about his finds. His colleagues, regretting the prank, unsuccessfully tried to dissuade him. The scandal unfolded when Berringer realized the deception, leading to legal action and ruined careers for all involved.