Time Traveller: Charles Lyell at Work
This exhibition in Edinburgh University's Main Library provides a unique insight into geologist and science writer Charles Lyell's developing ideas about the uniformity of nature.
About Time Traveller: Charles Lyell at Work
Today we understand the earth as an interconnected system involving life and its environment, including the atmosphere, oceans, ice, volcanoes, and the rocks of the crust. How do we comprehend forces that operate on global scales and deep in the past, beyond the capacities of human observation? How do we think about the relation between humans and animals? Can we establish a science that transcends deep divides of religion, race, culture, and politics?
This exhibition explores these questions through the work of a key figure in establishing this planetary vision, the geologist and science writer Charles Lyell (1797-1875), revealing how he travelled to gather evidence, and collaborated with others. Of particular significance are Lyell’s notes on his intimate conversations with Darwin before publication of the Origin of Species. Lyell is credited with playing a pivotal role in shaping Darwin's scientific thinking on the processes involved in evolution.
Location: Main Library, George Square, Edinburgh, EH8 9LJ
A key figure in the history of geology and science in the nineteenth century, Charles Lyell is known for advocating the theory that the processes that are shaping the Earth’s crust today, can be used to interpret events in the distant geological past. In his Principles of Geology, Lyell argued that processes such as erosion, sedimentation, and volcanic activity have been taking place gradually over a long period of time. This differed from the common belief at that time that catastrophic events unlike those ever witnessed by humans had shaped Earth's surface.
Lyell’s work is fundamental to environmental and ecological thinking and underlies the development of the science of geology.
The exhibition will provide a unique insight into his developing ideas about the uniformity of nature – including early ideas on climate change, extinction, and biodiversity – which are still influential today.
To add further context to Lyell’s life and career, the exhibition will draw on his collected fossils, specimens and shells alongside a selection of rare books by Isaac Newton and James Hutton, and contemporaries such as anti-slavery activist Frederick Douglass.
The archive documents Lyell’s disturbing views on slavery following a trip through the slave plantations of the American South and his conversations with plantation owners and enslaved women and men. During an era of imperial exploration and exploitation, his notes provide an unsettling insight into how scientific expeditions were intertwined with the deep divides of race, religion, culture, and politics.
Visitors will be able to explore the exhibition, Time Traveller: Charles Lyell at Work, from 27 October 2023 until 30 March 2024 at the University of Edinburgh’s Main Library Exhibition Gallery.
Image: Black and white engraving of Sir Charles Lyell, 1849
Where possible we will update our listings to notify of cancelled, postponed and rescheduled events, however we STRONGLY ADVISE that you check with the venue/organiser in the first instance for updates.
All information (whether in text or photographs) is supplied in good faith but should not be relied upon as being a statement of representation or fact.GOT AN EVENT TO SHARE? It's free to post your events on What's On Edinburgh, click here to find out more!
Want to be the first to hear about what's happening in Edinburgh? Just hit 'Like' on our Facebook page, join the What's On Scotland Facebook Group and 'Follow' on our Twitter account and you're all set!Sponsored Links
Similar events you might like...
Exhibition: ‘Powered by AI’
Join us on campus on Thursday 16th May for an opportunity to get hands on with the world of AI at Edinburgh Napier, see our facilities and speak to our staff.
READ MORE
Exhibition ‘Windswept Land’
Windswept Land is an exhibition at Birch Tree Gallery by two female artist who work in different locations but share a passion for outdoors and nature.
READ MORE
Edinburgh Napier University Degree Show 2024
The Edinburgh Napier Degree Show is a week-long celebration of our students' talent as they present their final projects to friends, family, industry and the public.
READ MORE
Quiet: Charlene Scott & Roanne O’Donnell
This exhibition at Upright Gallery brings together two Scottish based artists, Charlene Scott and Roanne O'Donnell, whose works are calm, contemplative and understated.
READ MORE
Edinburgh Model Railway Exhibition
The Edinburgh and Lothians Miniature Railway Club is holding a Model Railway Exhibition at George Watsons College on 1st & 2nd June!
READ MORE
Emily Moore :: Fragmented Landscapes
&Gallery is delighted to welcome back Edinburgh-based artist, Emily Moore, for her second solo exhibition 'Fragmented Landscapes' showing from 1st June!
READ MORE
In remembrance of the Scottish Witch Hunts
The Weaving Creative Threads Event at the Scottish Storytelling Centre features an evocative blend of artists, storytellers, singers, and speakers gathering to remember Scotland's accused witches.
READ MORE
Exposed 24 Photography Exhibition
This exhibition at the Out of the Blue Drill Hall showcases the work of HND and BA students from Edinburgh College.
READ MORE
Head Injury Information Day
The Head Injury Information Day on 12th June is the only event of its kind in Scotland dedicated to improving the lives of brain injury survivors.
READ MORESponsored Links
Find other events in Edinburgh
Sponsored Links