Charles Lyell
14 November 1797 – 22 February 1875
Sir Charles Lyell was a Scottish geologist whose Principles of Geology popularized uniformitarianism, the idea that the Earth was shaped by the same slow-acting processes still in operation today. His work provided a deep-time framework that strongly influenced Charles Darwin and the development of evolutionary theory.
Lived at the same time
Well-documented people whose lives overlapped with Charles Lyell.
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Life events
Charles Lyell was born in Forfarshire, Scotland, the eldest son of a botanist and landowner.
Source: en.wikipedia.orgLyell studied classics at Oxford, where lectures by William Buckland sparked his interest in geology.
Source: en.wikipedia.orgLyell qualified as a barrister and briefly practiced law before turning full-time to geology.
Source: en.wikipedia.orgThe first volume of Principles of Geology, Lyell's landmark work arguing for uniformitarianism, was published in London.
Source: en.wikipedia.orgLyell held the chair of geology at King's College London for a short period while completing Principles of Geology.
Source: en.wikipedia.orgLyell married Mary Horner, daughter of geologist Leonard Horner; she assisted extensively in his scientific work.
Source: en.wikipedia.orgLyell was knighted, and was later created a baronet in 1864.
Source: en.wikipedia.orgLyell's book on human antiquity brought evidence for the long prehistory of humans to a wide audience.
Source: en.wikipedia.orgCharles Lyell died at age 77 and was buried in Westminster Abbey.
Source: en.wikipedia.org