James Hutton, Founder of Modern Geology (1726–1797)

Abstract

One hundred and fifty years ago Edinburgh lost one of her most distinguished citizens of all time, James Hutton, who is universally acclaimed as chief among the founders of modern geology. To-day, Lord Provost Sir John Falconer, to whom the city owes so much in this triumphant Festival year, has fittingly unveiled a tablet in Greyfriars Churchyard to mark the last resting-place of our great scientist. It must not be imagined that the absence of a tombstone during all these years illustrates the proverbial lack of appreciation which a prophet must expect in his own country. During his lifetime Hutton's brilliant associates recognised him at his true worth; and shortly after his death one of them, John Playfair, distinguished mathematician and physicist, erected to his friend a noble monument in the world of letters, entitled Illustrations of the Huttonian Theory, 1802. He also provided the Royal Society of Edinburgh with a Biographical Account of 61 pp. 4to, 1803, which includes many personal details coupled with a comprehensive scientific appreciation.