William Smith (geologist)
William 'Strata' Smith was an English geologist, credited with creating the first detailed, nationwide geological map of any country. At the time his map was first published he was overlooked by the scientific community; his relatively humble education and family connections prevented him from mixing easily in learned society. Financially ruined, Smith spent time in debtors' prison. It was only late in his life that Smith received recognition for his accomplishments, and became known as the "Father of English Geology".
William Smith in 1837
Tucking Mill House, near Monkton Combe, Somerset. A plaque on the house next door to Tucking Mill House states incorrectly that it was the home of William Smith.
Engraving from William Smith's 1815 monograph on identifying strata by fossils
Bust of W. Smith, in the Oxford University Museum of Natural History
A geologist is a scientist who studies the solid, liquid, and gaseous matter that constitutes Earth and other terrestrial planets, as well as the processes that shape them. Geologists usually study geology, earth science, or geophysics, although backgrounds in physics, chemistry, biology, and other sciences are also useful. Field research is an important component of geology, although many subdisciplines incorporate laboratory and digitalized work. Geologists can be classified in a larger group of scientists, called geoscientists.
The Geologist by Carl Spitzweg, c. 1860
Scotsman James Hutton, father of modern geology
"Geologists at work" from the U.S. Geological and Geographic Survey of the Territories (1874 - 06/30/1879). Photographer: William Henry Jackson
A young geologist learns about flow banding