Article ID: CBB001220432

James Croll, Metaphysical Geologist (2012)

unapi

James Croll (1821--90) occupies a prominent position in the history of physical geology, and his pioneering work on the causes of long-term climate change has been widely discussed. During his life he benefited from the patronage of leading men of science; his participation in scientific debates was widely acknowledged, not least through his election as a Fellow of the Royal Society in 1876. For all that, the intellectual contribution that Croll himself considered to be of most significance---his articles and two books on metaphysics---has attracted very little attention. In addressing this neglect, it is argued here that Croll's interest in metaphysics, grounded in his commitment to a Calvinist form of Christianity, was central to his life and thought. Examining together Croll's geophysical and metaphysical writings offers a different and fruitful way of understanding his scientific career and points to the wider significance of metaphysics in late-Victorian scientific culture.

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Authors & Contributors
Roy W. McIntyre
Millefiorini, Federica
C. M. Sliepcevich
Wollen, Amos
Alfred B. Sears
Veneer, Leucha
Concepts
Geology
Earth sciences
Science and religion
Evolution
Theology
Science and literature
Time Periods
19th century
17th century
20th century, early
18th century
Places
Great Britain
Scotland
Wales
United States
Italy
Institutions
Geological Society of London
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