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Edinburgh Geological Society

 Organization

Dates

  • Existence: 1834-

Biography

Its first President was John Castle, and its first Secretary, James Brodie. Both were members of Mr Rose's class. The first scientific meeting of the Society was held on 8 December 1834, and the subject for discussion being whether or not Arthur's Seat (a hill in the city's Holyrood Park) was of volcanic origin. In 1863, the Society elected Sir Roderick Impey Murchison as its first Patron (1863-71), and he was followed by Sir Charles Lyell (1871-75)

While today the Edinburgh Geological Society draws on the considerable geological expertise of the University of Edinburgh and the British Geological Survey (at Murchison House), it welcomes and encourages amateur and professional alike to become involved in its lectures and excursions. The primary requirement for membership is an interest in geology.

The Society has acquired such prestige that there is little difficulty in attracting high calibre speakers on a wide variety of subjects. Lecture meetings are held throughout the winter in the Grant Institute (Kings Buildings site). In the summer, a varied programme of excursions is organised.

The Society publishes The Edinburgh Geologist once or twice a year. This publication consists of short papers on a wide range of geological topics with descriptions of geological localities.

Found in 1 Collection or Record:

Minute Book No III, 07 July 1842 - 02 May 1850

 Item — Volume MS 2917.3: Series Coll-43/1
Identifier: Coll-43/1/3
Scope and Contents Notebook containing minutes of meetings. Membership details include: details of new and retiring members, those who attended each meeting and deaths. Newspaper obituaries for George Sanderson and Hugh Smith are pasted into the book. The financial affairs of the Society are reported, and a newspaper clipping with the annual report for 1847 included. Details of the development of the society library are minuted. Abstracts of member's papers are minuted, along with the resultant...
Dates: 07 July 1842 - 02 May 1850

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