Geology and the Pioneers of Earth Science - by Mike Leeder Hardcover

About the Book

Momentous changes, particularly in the 1960's, transformed 'geology' into 'earth science'. These developments and the scientists behind them have been neglected until now and are the subject of this book.

Book Synopsis

Momentous changes in geology came about in the 1960s. These were partly the result of the application of discoveries in the basic sciences (physics, chemistry) over the previous six decades, but also technological innovations made during and after World War II.

The background to the origin of such changes - the efforts of the 'pioneers' who changed geology to earth science - has been neglected by historians of science and is the subject of this book. It analyses how the modern subject was able to evolve. Traditional geology is overwhelmingly historical while earth science has something extra to offer. This is the practice of what Lord Rayleigh memorably referred to as 'outdoor physics' (and by extension, chemistry), applied directly to the earth. The author summarises the achievements of these pioneers using biographical details and extracts from their chief works - placing them in the context of preceding and succeeding developments.

Review Quotes

'Many [of the featured] are people I had encountered only as names in passing. But, here, for the first time, their careers, motivations and scientific contributions are presented in satisfying detail. This alone gives the book a freshness that distinguishes it from more general histories of geology. [...] *Geology and the Pioneers of Earth Science *is a thoughtful, well-structured and highly readable contribution to the history of the discipline. Anyone curious about how our understanding of the Earth evolved, and who the key figures were behind that transformation, will find this book both illuminating and deeply enjoyable.' Jon Trevelyan, *Deposits *

About the Author

Mike Leeder is Emeritus Professor at UEA Norwich and a former Head of Earth Sciences at Leeds University. His last book, Measures for Measure, Geology and the industrial revolution was recognised as an Outstanding Academic Text by the Association of College and Research Libraries (ALA).