Aspects of the Life and Works of Archibald Geikie
Sir Archibald Geikie (1835–1924) was one of the most distinguished and influential geologists of the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. He was Director-General of the Geological Survey of Great Britain, President of the Geological Society of London, President of the British Association, Trustee of the British Museum and President of the Royal Society. He was also an accomplished writer, a masterful lecturer and a talented artist who published over 200 scientific papers, books and articles.
The papers in this volume examine aspects of Geikie’s life and works, including his family history, his personal and professional relationships, his art, and his contributions as a field geologist and administrator. Together, they provide a deeper understanding of his life, his career and his contribution to the development of Geology as a scientific discipline. Much of the research is based on primary sources, including previously unpublished manuscripts, donated in part by members of the family to the Haslemere Educational Museum, UK.
Introduction: aspects of the life and works of Sir Archibald Geikie
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Published:January 01, 2019
Extract
Sir Archibald Geikie KCB, OM, FRS (1835–1924) was one of the most eminent geologists of the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Geikie was instrumental in the development of the science of geology during this period and the eminence he attained was acknowledged by the bestowal of many prestigious honours.
During his distinguished career Geikie held numerous appointments, including Director-General of the Geological Survey of Great Britain, President of the Geological Society, President of the British Association, Trustee of the British Museum and President of the Royal Society (the only geologist to have ever held the latter honour). He was also an accomplished writer and during his career he published over 200 scientific papers, survey memoirs, books, articles and an autobiography. In addition, he was a masterful lecturer to any level of audience and a talented artist. As the most distinguished and influential geologist of the period, he received many notable honours, including a Knighthood in 1891, Knight Commander of the Bath in 1907 and the Order of Merit in 1913. In retirement Geikie continued to work vigorously as demonstrated by his contribution to the famous Geological Survey Memoir of the North West Highland of Scotland published in 1907 which he edited, his numerous obituaries of fellow geologists, geological contributions to Encyclopaedia Britannica and other publications, as well as work on his geological collections and Royal Society history.