Charles Lyell

Charles Lyell is one of the great geologists born in the 18 th century on 14 th of November, 1797 in Kinordie, Scotland. His book “Principles of Geology” was highly effective as he proposed uniformitarianism, while according to catastrophism processes and changes occur over long periods.

In relation to his education, Lyell initially enrolled for legal studies at the University of Exeter, Oxford but later transitioned and studied geology and natural sciences at the same university, in Exeter College. Thanks to his passion he conducted a great field research works in Europe and in North America.

Thus, the promotion of uniformitarianism by Lyell changed the fundamentals of geology shifting from the previously dominant catastrophism and altering the perception of the Earth’s history. His work was appreciated, and he became the president of the Geological of London Society and got the acknowledgment of many scientific societies of Europe as well as United States.

Lyell was married to Mary Horner in his personal front and the couple was blessed with three daughters. He work hard in the area of geology right from his youthful age and till his death contributed significantly to the field.

Thus, it is possible to assert that the achievements made by Charles Lyell laid the foundation for the future advancements of geology. These served as the building blocks of his future work; work that has nurtured generations of geologists and is still considered fundamental to geography today. His observations about processes on Earth have permanently enrolled him in the gallery of scientific stars.