James Hutton (1726-1797)

James Hutton, like William Smith, is also known as the 'father of geology'. He was born in Edinburgh in 1726 and his theory of Uniformitarianism suggested the idea of a geological history of the earth which had developed over millions of years. He also published Theory of the Earth in 1785.

Hutton suggested that sediments were fused together because of the heat generated in the earth. This heat could also lead to movements in rocks and lead to forces which could move rocks or land from the bottom of oceans to the tops of mountains. His ideas also discussed the formation of rocks through molten lava and he made the distinction between different types of minerals and rocks.

Hutton was one of the scientists involved in what was called the 'Scottish Enlightenment'.

He died in 1797 and is buried at Greyfriars Church, Edinburgh.

More information can be found on the Scottish Geology website.