The Life and Letters of Hugh Miller

The story of a nineteenth-century geologist and his attempt to reconcile his passionate commitment to both science and religion.

Peter Bayne (Author)

9781108072373, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 2 June 2011

452 pages, 1 b/w illus.
21.6 x 14 x 2.6 cm, 0.57 kg

This biography, edited by the writer and critic Peter Bayne (1830–1896), was published in 1844. Miller (1802–1856), a Scottish geologist, palaeontologist and evangelical Christian, is best known for his geological arguments for the existence of God. Miller sought to demonstrate the accuracy of the biblical creation story by demonstrating that the seven days of creation correspond to seven geological periods. Volume 1 covers Miller's early life, family, education and apprenticeship as a stonemason, and includes a selection of letters, both private and public, including two that expound his developing views on religion. The work is a key source for the life and thought of this fascinating nineteenth-century man whose life was marked by a passionate commitment to both science and religion and the ongoing attempt to reconcile the two. It will invigorate and entertain the modern-day reader.

Book I. The Boy: 1. Birth, parentage, and first impressions
2. Dame school
3. The Doocot Cave
4. First glimpse of the Sutherland Highlands
Book II. The Apprentice: 1. Boyish magazines
2. Early friendships
3. Conon-side
4. Returns to Conon-side
Book III. The Journeyman: 1. Favourable opinions from old David Wright and Uncle James
2. Gairloch
3. Comes of age
4. Niddrie
5. The stone-cutter's disease
6. Poems addressed to Ross
7. Poverty, honourable and dishonourable
8. Miller at twenty-six
9. Seeks work in Inverness unsuccessfully
10. Resumes work as a stone-cutter at Cromarty
11. Miller and his new friends
12. Miller's political views
13. Miss Fraser
14. New outlook in life
15. Letters to Miss Dunbar of Boath
16. Two letters on religion
17. Miscellaneous letters.

Subject Areas: History of science [PDX]