Reexamining Lyell's Laws
By Michael Robert Rampino
Increasing evidence points to the role of periodic catastrophes in shaping Earth's history, challenging long-standing dogmas within geology.
Increasing evidence points to the role of periodic catastrophes in shaping Earth's history, challenging long-standing dogmas within geology.
Modern geology derives its core ideas from the British geologist Charles Lyell’s seminal text Principles of Geology: Being an Attempt to Explain the Former Changes of Earth’s Surface, by Reference to Causes Now in Operation. This magnum opus came out in three volumes from 1830 to 1833 and sold well, making money for its author. Knighthood, followed by a baronetcy, contributed to his reputation as the most influential geologist of the mid-19th century. Lyell’s prosperous family, close friendship with Charles Darwin, and prestigious position at King’s College further cemented his outsize reputation.
Illustration by Barbara Aulicino. Photograph by Adam Evans/Wikimedia Commons.
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