Many geologists and fossil collectors from Europe and America visited Anning at Lyme to purchase specimens . These included the geologist George William Featherstonhaugh who purchased fossils for the newly opened New York Lyceum of Natural History in 1827 . Many geologists and fossil collectors from Europe and America visited Anning at Lyme , including the geologist George William Featherstonhaugh , who called Anning a `` very clever funny Creature , '' and who purchased fossils from her for the newly opened New York Lyceum of Natural History in 1827 .