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Article ID: CBB000850787

Murchison's Research Method: An Example from Southern Norway (2008)

Diemer, John A. (Author)

Earth Sciences History: Journal of the History of the Earth Sciences Society
Volume: 27
Pages: 31--58

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Geology Earth sciences Research methods 19th century Norway Murchison, Roderick Impey

Roderick Impey Murchison (1792-1871) was an eminent geologist whose reputation was in large part based on a research method that comprised an efficient fieldwork procedure followed by public presentations and publication of his findings. His research method enabled him to survey large areas rapidly, apply recent advances in the science of geology to those large areas, and present his results in a timely and widespread manner with maximum impact. This paper focuses on Murchison's two-week visit to Norway in 1844, and the presentation of his findings in the aftermath of that visit, to illustrate his research method in action. Not only did his work result in a significant advance in the understanding of the geology of Norway, but Murchison also applied his Norway results to issues of wide interest in the developing science of geology. In particular, his work in Norway resulted in: (1) an appreciation of the extent of Paleozoic rock systems in Norway; (2) a new name, Azoic, for the older, nonfossiliferous basement rocks; (3) the recognition of the effects of younger igneous intrusions on country rock; (4) a proposed classification scheme for metamorphic grade; and (5) a proposed classification scheme for igneous rocks based on the timing of intrusion.

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