Author: James Geikie

James Geikie (1839–1915) was a distinguished Scottish geologist and an eminent figure in the geological and geographical sciences of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Educated at the University of Edinburgh, Geikie joined the Geological Survey of Scotland and was later appointed as Murchison Professor of Geology and Mineralogy at Edinburgh. His contributions to the understanding of glacial geology were momentous, and he is perhaps best known for his work on the theory of glacial periods, which he expounded in his influential writings including “Fragments of Earth Lore: Sketches & Addresses Geological and Geographical” (1893). This particular work is an eloquent collection of Geikie”s lectures and writings, offering insights into geological phenomena with a clear command of narrative that broadened the appeal of geology to a wider audience. Geikie”s literary style is marked by a balance of scholarly diligence and accessible prose, which enabled him to communicate complex scientific ideas effectively to both his peers and the interested public. His extensive research and publications, including his formidable three-volume work “The Great Ice Age” and “Outlines of Field Geology”, have cemented his legacy as a leading authority in the field of glacial geology and have contributed significantly to the advancement of earth sciences. His innovative thoughts on the role of climate in shaping the earth”s surface also presaged modern theories on climate change and its geological impact.