E-Book Overview
Without the daring, courageous, and innovative thinkers the past, life as we know it would be completely different; Planes, trains, and automobiles would never have been invented; Earth would be considered the center of the universe; and strep throat, polio, and smallpox would still be incurable diseases. Thankfully, individuals from various backgrounds and situations pushed themselves along the path of discovery and made great contributions to the scientific community, bravely initiating discoveries and broadening the minds of those around them. The "Pioneers in Science" set is a unique eight-volume collection profiling the people behind the science. Each volume consists of 10 biographical sketches of pioneers in particular scientific discipline, including information about their childhood, how they began their scientific career, their research, and enough scientific information for the reader to appreciate their discoveries and contributions. Encompassing a wide variety of scientific interests individuals were chosen to represent an array of discipline in each field, as well as different histories, personality traits, and approaches to research. Each easy-to-use volume contains photographs and illustrations, an introduction to the science, a glossary of related terms, and a list of books and websites for further information. Each chapter concludes with a chronology with its own suggestions for further reading. Comprehensive and accessible, the "Pioneers in Science" set provides extensive information about a small collection of pioneers from each major scientific field. Offering a wealth of information, these volumes are perfect for school reports, science classes and lectures, and any school or public library.
E-Book Content
EARTH SCIENCE
EARTH SCIENCE The People Behind the Science Katherine Cullen, Ph.D.
Earth Science: The People Behind the Science Copyright © 2006 by Katherine Cullen, Ph.D. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage or retrieval systems, without permission in writing from the publisher. For information contact: Chelsea House An imprint of Infobase Publishing 132 West 31st Street New York NY 10001 Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data Cullen, Katherine E. Earth science: the people behind the science/Katherine Cullen. p. cm. — (Pioneers in science) Includes bibliographical references and index. ISBN 0-8160-5464-9 (hardcover) 1. Earth scientists Biography. 2. Earth science—History. I. Title. II. Series. QE21.C85 2005 550'.92'2—dc22 2005022171 Chelsea House books are available at special discounts when purchased in bulk quantities for businesses, associations, institutions, or sales promotions. Please call our Special Sales Department in New York at (212) 967-8800 or (800) 322-8755. You can find Chelsea House on the World Wide Web at http://www.chelseahouse.com Text design by Mary Susan Ryan-Flynn Cover design by Cathy Rincon Illustrations by Bobbi McCutcheon Printed in the United States of America MP FOF 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 This book is printed on acid-free paper.
I dedicate this book to all future pioneers in science. 鵷
CONTENTS Preface Acknowledgments Introduction
CHAPTER
xiii xvii xix
1
Georgius Agricola (1494–1555): The Forefather of Geology and the Father of Mineralogy
1
“Peasant Farmer” An Expert on Mining
2 3
Mining and Metallurgy
4
A Prolific Author On Metallurgy Chronology Further Reading
CHAPTER
4 6 9 10
2
Nicolaus Steno (1638–1686): The Law of Superposition of Rock Layers and the Principles of Original Horizontality and Lateral Extension
13
An Interest in Science Th