Whilst researching my postgraduate degree in 2000s, I became fascinated by the physiognomical pseudosciences which emerged at the end of the 18th century. Originating as parlour game entertainment, by the middle of the 19th century they developed into a much more sinister body of academia which sought to categorise individuals purely based on external physical … Continue reading
Clive Gamble writes about the discovery of two famous photographs in the Geological Society’s archives. Two of the most famous photographs in the history of archaeology have come to light in the archives of the Geological Society. These are the pictures of the Fréville Pit at St Acheul, Amiens, France, which were taken on the … Continue reading
Fifty years ago this week the 23rd International Geological Congress had just started meeting in Prague. Over 4000 geologists were making their way to the capital of Czechoslovakia, which that year seemed to be enjoying a relaxation in the political regime. Although, as the Congress approached, the political situation was becoming more tense, with Russia … Continue reading
A christmas present for the geologist who has everything…. Continue reading
William Smith, the ‘father of English geology’, is famous for creating the first geological map of a country – the ‘Map that changed the world.’ One of his famous geological maps of England and Wales now hangs in our entrance hall at Burlington House, where visitors still flock to see it. But what did he … Continue reading
Visitors to the Library of the Geological Society often ask about our stunning chandeliers, but up until now we’ve not been able to tell them much. It depends on who you ask – rumour has it that they are made from Pilkington Glass, while others state that in fact they were gifts from the Pilkington … Continue reading
