The Life and Letters of Adam Sedgwick: Volume 1

Originally published in 1890, this two-part collection is composed of extensive extracts from Sedgwick's letters. Volume I covers the period 1785 to 1840.

John Willis Clark (Edited by), Thomas McKenny Hughes (Edited by)

9780521137706, Cambridge University Press

Paperback, published 14 January 2010

578 pages
22.9 x 15.2 x 3.3 cm, 0.84 kg

Adam Sedgwick (1785–1873) is chiefly remembered as one of the founders of modern geology and an early mentor of Charles Darwin. Originally published in 1890, this two-part collection is composed of extensive extracts from Sedgwick's letters together with a rich, detailed account of his life and work. Both volumes are thoroughly researched and edited by J. W. Clark, with assistance from T. M. Hughes. Sedgwick was a contradictory figure who combined devotion to science with a conservatism borne of his strong religious beliefs. Whilst the text is limited in its portrayal of these contradictions as a result of proximity to its subject, this remains a well-rounded portrait that will be of value to anyone with an interest in geology or the history of science. Volume I covers the period 1785 to 1840.

1. Introduction
2. Birth of Adam Sedgwick
3. Begins residence at Trinity College, Cambridge (1804)
4. Work with pupils
5. Sketch of the life and works of Dr John Woodward
6. Excursion to Derbyshire and Staffordshire (1818)
7. Geological exploration of the Lake District (1822–1824)
8. The Geological Society
9. The Reform Bill
10. Cambridge occupations
11. Geological work accomplished between 1828 and 1838.

Subject Areas: History of science [PDX]