
James Hutton
The Founder of Modern Geology
Alan McKirdy(Author)
NMSE - Publishing Ltd
3rd Edition
Published on 24. February 2022
Book
Paperback/Softback
160 pages
978-1-910682-44-9 (ISBN)
Description
Thoroughly revised and expanded from the 2012 edition (twice the number of pages, almost double the number of illustrations) this book pays tribute to the man and his diverse works and achievements.
James Hutton (1726-1797) was one of the first environmentalists, a man ahead of his time.
He developed a grand theory of the Earth in which he tried to make sense of a lifetime of observation and deduction about the way in which our planet functions. For example, he connected temperature with latitude. His measurements, with rudimentary thermometers, of temperature changes between the base and summit of Arthur's Seat, were remarkably accurate and he studied climate data from other parts of the world.
A leading figure in the eighteenth-century Scottish Enlightenment, he was also an innovative farmer, successful entrepreneur and a man with endless intellectual curiosity.
The year 2026 will be the tercentenary of his birth. There will be many special events leading up to and in that year organised by The James Hutton Institute, Scotland's premier environmental and agricultural research organisation.
James Hutton (1726-1797) was one of the first environmentalists, a man ahead of his time.
He developed a grand theory of the Earth in which he tried to make sense of a lifetime of observation and deduction about the way in which our planet functions. For example, he connected temperature with latitude. His measurements, with rudimentary thermometers, of temperature changes between the base and summit of Arthur's Seat, were remarkably accurate and he studied climate data from other parts of the world.
A leading figure in the eighteenth-century Scottish Enlightenment, he was also an innovative farmer, successful entrepreneur and a man with endless intellectual curiosity.
The year 2026 will be the tercentenary of his birth. There will be many special events leading up to and in that year organised by The James Hutton Institute, Scotland's premier environmental and agricultural research organisation.
Reviews / Votes
' ... For anyone interested in the history and personalities of the Scottish Enlightenment, McKirdy's book must be essential reading, and will gently initiate those readers into the glories of Scottish geology. The book is equally valuable as a contribution to the history of science more generally. Even for those who think they know all about Hutton and his works, I guarantee a few surprises ... ' Scottish Journal of Geology'James Hutton was one of the first environmentalists ... ' Arran Banner
More details
Edition
Thoroughly revised and expanded from the text first published by National Museums Scotland in 2001.
Language
English
Place of publication
Edinburgh
United Kingdom
Illustrations
60 col/b+w
Dimensions
Height: 244 mm
Width: 187 mm
Thickness: 15 mm
Weight
590 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-910682-44-9 (9781910682449)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Person
Alan McKirdy was formerly Head of Knowledge and Information Management at Scottish Natural Heritage. Now a freelance writer, he is the author of more than twelve geological titles for adults and children and has also published academic papers and contributed to geological text books.
Content
Dedication
Forewords
Introduction
1. Hutton's early life and studies
2. Hutton the traveller
3. Hutton the farmer
4. Permanent return to Edinburgh
5. Hutton and the Scottish Enlightenment
6. Theory of the Earth
7. Trial of Hutton's Theory of the Earth by fieldwork
8. Hutton's final years
9. Hutton's legacy
10. Places to visit
Further reading and watching
Acknowledgements and image credits
Index
Forewords
Introduction
1. Hutton's early life and studies
2. Hutton the traveller
3. Hutton the farmer
4. Permanent return to Edinburgh
5. Hutton and the Scottish Enlightenment
6. Theory of the Earth
7. Trial of Hutton's Theory of the Earth by fieldwork
8. Hutton's final years
9. Hutton's legacy
10. Places to visit
Further reading and watching
Acknowledgements and image credits
Index