The Life and Letters of Adam Sedgwick: Volume 1 Volume 1

Adam Sedgwick (1785–1873) is chiefly remembered as one of the founders of modern geology and an early mentor of Charles Darwin. Originally published in 1890, this two-part collection is composed of extensive extracts from Sedgwick's letters together with a rich, detailed account of his life and work. Both volumes are thoroughly researched and edited by J. W. Clark, with assistance from T. M. Hughes. Sedgwick was a contradictory figure who combined devotion to science with a conservatism borne of his strong religious beliefs. Whilst the text is limited in its portrayal of these contradictions as a result of proximity to its subject, this remains a well-rounded portrait that will be of value to anyone with an interest in geology or the history of science. Volume I covers the period 1785 to 1840.

1. Introduction; 2. Birth of Adam Sedgwick; 3. Begins residence at Trinity College, Cambridge (1804); 4. Work with pupils; 5. Sketch of the life and works of Dr John Woodward; 6. Excursion to Derbyshire and Staffordshire (1818); 7. Geological exploration of the Lake District (1822–1824); 8. The Geological Society; 9. The Reform Bill; 10. Cambridge occupations; 11. Geological work accomplished between 1828 and 1838.

Adam Sedgwick (1785-1873) is chiefly remembered as one of the founders of modern geology and an early mentor of Charles Darwin. Originally published in 1890, this two-part collection is composed of extensive extracts from Sedgwick's letters together with a rich, detailed account of his life and work.