The Life and Letters of the Reverend Adam Sedgwick. Vol. I-II

Description:

First edition. Scarce. Adam Sedgwick (1785-1873) is considered one of the founders of modern geology. As the Woodwardian Professor of Geology at Cambridge from 1818 until his death, Sedgwick made significant contributions to the study of stratigraphy and the geological timescale, notably proposing the Cambrian and Devonian periods. He guided the young Charles Darwin in his early study of geology, but was later an opponent of Darwin's theory of evolution by means of natural selection.

Thomas McKenny Hughes (1832-1917) succeed Adam Sedgwick as Woodwardian Professor of Geology at the University of Cambridge in 1873 and undertook to become Sedgwick’s biographer. However as ‘the duties of his Professorship increased he found himself, year after year, less able to cope with the difficulties of a task which demanded a long and patient research’ John Willis Clark (1833 – 1910) Superintendent of the Cambridge University Museum of Zoology and Registrary of the university was invited to collaborate on the publication. Volume I covers Sedgwick's early life, education, and his geological work up to the year 1840, including his foundational contributions to the identification of the Cambrian and Devonian periods. Volume II continues the narrative, exploring his later work and influence, particularly his role in the development of modern geology and includes his correspondence with Charles Darwin regarding On the Origin of Species.

This biography provides a valuable insight into the early development of geological science.

Condition

2 vols, roy. 8vo, orig. brown cloth, gilt title to spines, minor wear to extremities; hinges cracked but firm. Foredges uncut. Some gatherings unopened. Both volumes with small piece torn from top edge of front free endpapers. Vg.