UID:
almafu_9959345619702883
Format:
1 online resource (554 pages) :
,
1 online resource
,
digital, PDF file(s).
ISBN:
9780511973086
,
051197308X
Series Statement:
Cambridge library collection. Earth Science
Content:
John Playfair (1748-1819) was a Scottish mathematician and geologist best known for his defence of James Hutton's geological theories. He attended the University of St Andrews, completing his theological studies in 1770. In 1785 he was appointed joint Professor of Mathematics at the University of Edinburgh, and in 1805 he was elected Professor of Natural Philosophy. This highly influential book, first published in 1802, contains Playfair's clarification and summary of Hutton's geological concepts. Playfair concisely explains Hutton's theories on erosion and geothermal heat in rock formation and the concept of uniformitarianism in geology, illustrating these theories with his own precise observations on different types of rock strata. The clarity of Playfair's explanations was instrumental in popularising Hutton's geological theories, many of which are now recognised as key principles of modern geology. Playfair's strident defence of Hutton's ideas formed part of a controversial debate between Hutton's supporters and his detractors.
Note:
Title from publisher's bibliographic system (viewed on 05 Oct 2015).
,
English
Additional Edition:
ISBN 9781108072311
Additional Edition:
ISBN 1108072313
Language:
English
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/CBO9780511973086
URL:
https://doi.org/10.1017/CBO9780511973086
