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WILLIAM SMITH / A Memoir of “The Father of British Geology” (1842) edited by Peter R Jenkins 2002 16 pp, SB £2.00 post free in the UK from the publisher, Dragonwheel Books, Sandcott, Rectory Lane, Pulborough, West Sussex, RH20 2AD. This memoir was first published in 1842 in Chambers Edinburgh Journal Vol XI (Issue No 536, Saturday, 7 May, 1842), pp 122-123. When the Wollaston Medal was awarded to William Smith in 1831, the following words appeared in the citation: “In consideration of his being a great original discoverer in English geology: and especially for his being the first in this country to discover and teach the identification of strata, and to determine their succession by means of their imbedded fossils.” This neatly sums up his life’s work. William Smith gained his knowledge of geology in the Somerset coal fields. When travelling the country by stage coach, he took the opportunity to study the landscape. His practical knowledge was triumphantly proved at Great South Hetton Colliery in Durham, when in 1821 he recommended the proprietor to search for coal beneath the magnesian limestone. A strategy which proved most lucrative. TO _________________________________________________________________ MSN Photos is the easiest way to share and print your photos: http://photos.msn.com/support/worldwide.aspx