Fig. 1. James Hutton (1726-1797)

In the late 1700’s Scotland became the home of practical geology. When we look at a geological map of the world it is not difficult to see why Scotland, within its 49,000 square miles (80000 square km) possesses practically every geological structure and age of rock possible. The person regarded as the founder of modern geology is James Hutton (1726-1797), of Edinburgh. By studying the rocks where they outcropped (in the field, as geologists say), he formulated theories about the past conditions that formed them. He visualized an abiding Earth on which forces of rock formation were balanced by forces of rock destruction. It was he who put the Neptunian theories to rest.

Another approach to practical geology is that of the experimental scientist. The pioneer in this field was Sir James Hall (1761-1832)-not the great 19^th-century American geologist of the same name but another Scot from Edinburgh. Hall melted rock specimens in the furnace of an iron foundry and observed what was produced as they cooled. He also conducted experiments to stimulate the formation of various rock structures by compressing layers of clay. Most of these experiments were conducted after Hall’s death, because he was dismissive of this experimental approach.

(Dougal Dixon “The Practical Geologist” 1992, Aurum,USA)

The home of practical geology was _____________ (1) because one can find all possible __________________ _____________ (2). The founder of practical geology is considered to be ________ ____________ (3) from ________ (4). He studied rocks based on the __________ (5) and formulated different theories about how these rocks were formed. Another interesting scientist of that time was _________ __________ (6) His approach to practical geology was quite different. He was considered to be an ________ ___________ (7). His experiments consisted of melting rock specimens and observing what was produced when they cooled. He also conducted experiments to stimulate _________ __________ _____________ (8).