A Long Life's Work
An Autobiography

The final work (1924) of this influential geologist traces his career in the readable style for which he was famous.

Archibald Geikie (Author)

9781108048392, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 26 April 2012

448 pages, 2 b/w illus.
21.6 x 14 x 2.5 cm, 0.57 kg

Despite never graduating from university, Sir Archibald Geikie (1835–1924) forged an exceptionally successful scientific career. In 1855 he was appointed to the Scottish branch of the Geological Survey, and by 1882 was Director General of the Survey. In keeping with his Edinburgh beginnings, most of his career was spent studying igneous rocks. He was a prolific and gifted writer, producing textbooks, popular science books and biographical and historical works, including the influential Founders of Geology (1897), as well as numerous technical publications. The only geologist to hold the post of President of The Royal Society (1908–12), he also served as President of the Geological Society of London and the British Association, and received an array of honorary degrees and medals. This autobiography, published in the year of his death, provides a readable, personal account of the life of one of the great scientific figures of the nineteenth century.

1. 1835–50. Boyhood and school-life
2. 1850–5. A wrong start. How things were righted
3. 1855–60. First years in the Geological Survey
4. 1860–7. Lecturing at the School of Mines. First journeys abroad. Directorate of Geological Survey of Scotland
5. 1867–71. Start of the Geological Survey of Scotland
6. 1871–82. Creation of a Chair of Geology in the University of Edinburgh
7. 1882–91. First years of the Director-Generalship of the Geological Survey
8. 1892–6. Miscellaneous duties of the Director-General
9. 1897. The 'wanderjahr' of a geologist
10. 1898–1903. Last years in the Geological Survey
11. 1903–8. Secretaryship of the Royal Society
12. 1908–13. President of the Royal Society
13. Retirement in the country
Appendix
Index.

Subject Areas: Earth sciences [RB]