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)

9781108072380, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 2 June 2011

516 pages, 1 b/w illus.
21.6 x 14 x 2.9 cm, 0.65 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 2 covers Miller's developing intellectual life and religious ideas; his publications; his marriage and the birth and loss of children; and his own tragic death after a long history of mental illness. 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 attempt to reconcile the two. It will invigorate and entertain the modern-day reader.

Book IV. The Bank Accountant: 1. Offer of a situation
2. His first prose book
3. Death of Miss Dunbar
4. Letters to Miss Fraser, Finlay, and Dr. Waldie
5. Marriage
6. Science in the ascendant
7. The Cromarty Fast-day
Book V. Editor: 1. Non-intrusion
2. Letter to Lord Brougham
3. At the editorial desk
4. The disruption
5. Difference with Dr. Candlish
Book VI. Man of Science: 1. The Old Red Sandstone
2. Science and Religion
3. The last Edinburgh period
4. Closing scenes.

Subject Areas: History of science [PDX]