Illustrations of the Huttonian Theory of the Earth (Cambridge Library Collection - Earth Science) - Softcover

Playfair, John

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1108072313 ISBN 13: 9781108072311

Publisher: Cambridge University Press, 2011

Synopsis

John Playfair (1748-1819) was a Scottish mathematician and geologist best known for his defence of James Hutton's geological theories. He attended the University of St Andrews, completing his theological studies in 1770. In 1785 he was appointed joint Professor of Mathematics at the University of Edinburgh, and in 1805 he was elected Professor of Natural Philosophy. This highly influential book, first published in 1802, contains Playfair's clarification and summary of Hutton's geological concepts. Playfair concisely explains Hutton's theories on erosion and geothermal heat in rock formation and the concept of uniformitarianism in geology, illustrating these theories with his own precise observations on different types of rock strata. The clarity of Playfair's explanations was instrumental in popularising Hutton's geological theories, many of which are now recognised as key principles of modern geology. Playfair's strident defence of Hutton's ideas formed part of a controversial debate between Hutton's supporters and his detractors.

About this title

Book Description:

John Playfair (1748-1819) was a mathematician and geologist best known for his defence of James Hutton's geological theories. This influential book, first published in 1802, contains Playfair's summary and explanation of Hutton's theories and was instrumental in popularising several ideas that are now accepted as key principles of geology.

About this edition

• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Publication date: 2011
• ISBN 10: 1108072313
• ISBN 13: 9781108072311
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 554