ARTURO ISSEL (1842–1922): THE MAN FROM GENOA BEHIND THE TYRRHENIAN STAGE OF THE PLEISTOCENE

Abstract

ABSTRACT Arturo Issel (1842–1922) introduced the regional Tyrrhenian stage of the late Pleistocene in 1914. This still stands within modern stratigraphic classification as an Italian Marine Stage for the Mediterranean Sea marking the base of the Late Pleistocene underlining the scientific importance of Issel's research within the geological sciences. This paper provides a short overview of the career and the wide-ranging interests of this Italian geologist and naturalistic traveller in order to provide a context to the knowledge and research experience behind his stratigraphic work. As university professor in Genovese society during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, he played an important role in scientific instruction, exploration and research contributing to the popularization of science through museum collections and publications and in the application of such knowledge within public office both in Liguria and within Italy. He formed part of the Italian delegation at International Geological Congresses and held membership of the most outstanding geological societies and scientific academies of the time.