Career and major writings Charles Lyell

lyell between 1865 , 1870

principles of geology, lyell s first book, famous, influential, , important. first published in 3 volumes in 1830–33, established lyell s credentials important geological theorist , propounded doctrine of uniformitarianism. work of synthesis, backed own personal observations on travels.

the central argument in principles present key past – concept of scottish enlightenment david hume had stated inferences experience suppose ... future resemble past , , james hutton had described when wrote in 1788 has been, have data concluding regard happen thereafter. geological remains distant past can, , should, explained reference geological processes in operation , directly observable. lyell s interpretation of geological change steady accumulation of minute changes on enormously long spans of time powerful influence on young charles darwin. lyell asked robert fitzroy, captain of hms beagle, search erratic boulders on survey voyage of beagle, , before set out fitzroy gave darwin volume 1 of first edition of lyell s principles. when beagle made first stop ashore @ st jago in cape verde islands, darwin found rock formations seen through lyell s eyes gave him revolutionary insight geological history of island, insight applied throughout travels.

while in south america darwin received volume 2 considered ideas of lamarck in detail. lyell rejected lamarck s idea of organic evolution, proposing instead centres of creation explain diversity , territory of species. however, discussed below, many of letters show open idea of evolution. in geology darwin lyell s disciple, , brought observations , own original theorising, including ideas formation of atolls, supported lyell s uniformitarianism. on return of beagle (october 1836) lyell invited darwin dinner , on close friends. although darwin discussed evolutionary ideas him 1842, lyell continued reject evolution in each of first 9 editions of principles. encouraged darwin publish, , following 1859 publication of on origin of species, lyell offered tepid endorsement of evolution in tenth edition of principles.

the frontispiece elements of geology

elements of geology began fourth volume of third edition of principles: lyell intended book act suitable field guide students of geology. systematic, factual description of geological formations of different ages contained in principles grew unwieldy, however, lyell split off elements in 1838. book went through 6 editions, growing 2 volumes , ceasing inexpensive, portable handbook lyell had envisioned. late in career, therefore, lyell produced condensed version titled student s elements of geology fulfilled original purpose.

geological evidences of antiquity of man brought lyell s views on 3 key themes geology of quaternary period of earth history: glaciers, evolution, , age of human race. first published in 1863, went through 3 editions year, fourth , final edition appearing in 1873. book regarded disappointment because of lyell s equivocal treatment of evolution. lyell, devout christian, had great difficulty reconciling beliefs natural selection.