Edinburgh Geological Society

Organization

Staff Only

Dates

Existence: 1834-

Biography

The Edinburgh Geological Society was formed in 1834. It was born out of a meeting of eleven members of a class in mineralogy conducted by Mr Alexander Rose. The meeting was held on Thursday 4 December 1834 in Robertson's Tavern, Milne's Close, in the city, where the decision was taken to start a society for "Discussion and Mutual Instruction". The society was to meet in Mr Rose's house at 2 Drummond Street, and was to be known as the Geological Society

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 49 Collections and/or Records:

Miscellany, 1839-1949

Series — Multiple Containers

Identifier: Coll-43/9

Scope and Contents

Miscellany consists of:

anniversary addresses
correspondence
minutes of meetings
photographs
posters
printed material
sample stationery
scientific papers

Dates: 1839-1949

Found in: University of Edinburgh Library Heritage Collections / Records of Edinburgh Geological Society

Poster advertising classes at Queen's College, Edinburgh, 1841

Item

Identifier: Coll-43 ::: MS 2935.12

Scope and Contents

Poster advertising classes at Queen's College, Edinburgh, including mineralogy and geology with Alexander Rose.

Dates: 1841

Found in: University of Edinburgh Library Heritage Collections / Records of Edinburgh Geological Society / Miscellany

Publications and printed items, 1934-1990

Series — Box MS 2932: Series Coll-43/7

Identifier: Coll-43/7

Scope and Contents Publications and printed items consist of: History of the Edinburgh Geological Society Proceedings of the Edinburgh Geological Society The Edinburgh Geologist facimile reprint of James Hutton's Theory of the Earth exhibition...

Dates: 1934-1990

Found in: University of Edinburgh Library Heritage Collections / Records of Edinburgh Geological Society

Records of Edinburgh Geological Society

Fonds

Identifier: Coll-43

Scope and Contents

The collection contains minute books of general and council meetings from 1834 to 1982; treasurer's accounts; laws, lists and rolls of members; membership applications; and, billets of meetings 1879 to 1939, and 1939-1990; correspondence; and, papers read 1863-64. Printed items include a history of the Edinburgh Geological Society; proceedings of the Society; copies of the Edinburgh Geologist; leaflets; and geological excursion guides.

Dates: 1834-1990

Found in: University of Edinburgh Library Heritage Collections