James Hutton at 300: Geologist to deliver talk on Scottish Enlightenment thinker to round out tercentenary year
Dr Stuart Archer, a geologist with more than 30 years’ experience and a member of Aberdeen Geological Society, is set to deliver a talk at The James Hutton Institute’s Craigiebuckler campus, covering the life and legacy of the institute’s namesake.
Titled James Hutton at 300, the lecture will explore the incredible scientific discoveries of a man who transformed our understanding of the Earth while marking 300 years since the year he was born.
Born in Edinburgh on 3 June 1726, James Hutton was a farmer, physician, chemist and natural philosopher whose ideas would go on to shape our understanding of the earth itself. By observing natural phenomena such as soil erosion and rock formations, Hutton concluded that the Earth’s land was formed through a series of continuous cycles of formation and erosion and therefore had to be far older than previously considered. This idea, which became known as “Deep Time”, laid the foundation for later scientific advances, including the theories of evolution and plate tectonics.
Attendees will learn how Hutton’s life shaped his discoveries and led to groundbreaking conclusions which were considered radical at the time.
Hosted in partnership with The James Hutton Institute, the lecture will mark the culmination of a year of tercentenary celebrations which has included commemorative whiskies and gins, exhibitions at National Library of Scotland and the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, two field-sized portraits made out of barley on Hutton-managed farms and much more.
As a final treat, attendees will get an exclusive look at the new James Hutton Institute Tartan, which will be unveiled to the public soon after the lecture.
Tickets for Dr Archer’s lecture are free, though availability is limited.
To book, visit Eventbrite.