Lee was himself an amateur collector of natural history specimens and microscopist.

In the classical field amateur collector studies have achieved quite remarkable progress in the field.

Laborers, amateur collectors, and local parish heads all descended on the spot, plucking up mementos from this place that was said to be paved with osteological treasures.

The site was known to amateur collectors since the mid 19th century.

They purchased specimens from professional and amateur collectors, sometimes collected themselves as well as acting as agents for the sale of collections.