200 years ago, the first geological map

[BillT]

200 years ago, William Smith, a person of humble origins made the first geological map (of parts of England, Wales, and Scotland).

Besides being of economic importance (in predicting where coal would be found, thereby proving its worth), it also started modern geology, vastly increased estimates of the earths age, made fossils more understandable, and led to the development of evolutionary theory (based on having a lot of time available for things to change slowly and an informative array of fossils vs. time).

Here is a link to a short story about this:
http://www.sciencemag.org/content/347/6219/230.full

Unfortunately for William Smith, he got screwed over by rich guy competitors who copied his map book and sold it for less and went broke. But, eventually, in his old age, he was recognized and lauded for his accomplishments.

[PaulineMi]

The link says we need a user name and password. ...

[Mugwump]

The link says we need a user name and password. ...

Try here.....

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_Smith_%28geologist%29

[BillT]

The link says we need a user name and password. ...

Opps. I always have a hard time telling what is more or less available on that site since my passwording is automated.

I just tried to post the article, but the pdf is too big (~0.6 to 1.8 MB depending on the version) and copying the text came out ugly.

If you want a copy, I can e-mail it to you. The map pictures are nice.

[PaulineMi]

Wikipedia seems to have it covered.  With all the high tech equipment we use today its amazing that he was able to develop that map.

[sschind]

200 years ago, William Smith, a person of humble origins made the first geological map (of parts of England, Wales, and Scotland).

Besides being of economic importance (in predicting where coal would be found, thereby proving its worth), it also started modern geology, vastly increased estimates of the earths age, made fossils more understandable, and led to the development of evolutionary theory (based on having a lot of time available for things to change slowly and an informative array of fossils vs. time).

Here is a link to a short story about this:
http://www.sciencemag.org/content/347/6219/230.full

Unfortunately for William Smith, he got screwed over by rich guy competitors who copied his map book and sold it for less and went broke. But, eventually, in his old age, he was recognized and lauded for his accomplishments.

Read a book about him "the map that changed the world"  pretty interesting for a topic that many people might consider boring.

[Mugwump]

200 years ago, William Smith, a person of humble origins made the first geological map (of parts of England, Wales, and Scotland).

Besides being of economic importance (in predicting where coal would be found, thereby proving its worth), it also started modern geology, vastly increased estimates of the earths age, made fossils more understandable, and led to the development of evolutionary theory (based on having a lot of time available for things to change slowly and an informative array of fossils vs. time).

Here is a link to a short story about this:
http://www.sciencemag.org/content/347/6219/230.full

Unfortunately for William Smith, he got screwed over by rich guy competitors who copied his map book and sold it for less and went broke. But, eventually, in his old age, he was recognized and lauded for his accomplishments.

Read a book about him "the map that changed the world"  pretty interesting for a topic that many people might consider boring.

I was took geology in school......we did many,many field trips up in the mountain areas exploring strata, and other rock formations.....it's fascinating stuff....our semester on seismology, and volcanism, was absolutely unreal....exploring the faults along the San Andreas mountains........going up to Mt Hood, Yellowstone, etc.....we even hiked a good portion of the John Muir Trail....it's much more than chipping rocks....

[BillT]

Read a book about him "the map that changed the world"  pretty interesting for a topic that many people might consider boring.

I read that book. Nice!