Glossary of Geological and Other Scientific Terms Used in the Principles of Geology (eBook)

Sir Charles Lyell, 1st Baronet, Kt FRS (14 November 1797 – 22 February 1875), was a preeminent Scottish geologist, influential in the fields of geology and stratigraphy. Born in Scotland to a family with a strong interest in the natural sciences, Lyell attended Exeter College, Oxford, where he developed a profound interest in geology. He is best known for his seminal work, 'Principles of Geology' (1830-1833), which popularized the concept of uniformitarianism – the idea that the Earth was shaped by the same natural processes still in operation today, over a long period of time. This work fundamentally challenged the then-dominant catastrophic paradigms and laid the groundwork for modern geology. Additionally, Lyell's 'Glossary of Geological and Other Scientific Terms Used in the Principles of Geology' serves as an important companion to his major works, providing definitions and explanations for terms and concepts introduced in his texts, thereby making the subject more accessible to a wider audience. His literary style combined meticulous observation with clear, precise language, rendering complex scientific ideas intelligible to both specialists and lay readers. Lyell's influence extended beyond geology; through his work, he profoundly affected the evolutionary theories of his friend Charles Darwin. Lyell was knighted in 1848 and later made a baronet, an honor which further cemented his legacy as a leading figure in the scientific community of his time.