In the whole history of thought no transformation in men's
attitude to Nature - in their 'common sense' - has been more
profound than the change in perspective brought about
by the discovery of the past.
- Stephen Toulmin and June Goodfield
Key intellectual movements in earth interpretationDiluvialismIdeas of Nicholas Steno and James Hutton
Catastrophism
Neptunism (Abraham Werner)
Plutonism (James Hutton)
Principle of SuperpositionWilliam "Strata" Smith
Principle of Original Horizontality
Principle of Cross-suttine relations
Principle of Original Lateral Continuity
Charles Lyell
Useful links:
Earth Science Picture of the Day
Strata Smith and the Geologic Map of England
Return to Historical Geology syllabus