Meetings
Watercolour sketch of a Geological Society meeting in progress at Somerset House, probably by Henry Thomas De La Beche, c.1830. The sketch is drawn as if from behind the Presidential chair. Several geologists can be identified: seated farthest away and wearing spectacles is Henry De la Beche, next to him is Roderick Impey Murchison with John Phillips. Across the table are George Bellas Greenough, William Fitton, Charles Lyell and William Buckland. Image courtesy of the Geological Society of London
Anyone interested in the history of geology may attend our talks and meetings. We address a wide range of topics of interest to both historians and geologists.
Members are eligible for free admission to online events; non-members are charged a small fee. There is normally a charge for all other meetings/events to cover costs; members are eligible for a discount.
Upcoming meetings are listed below. Information on past meetings can be found here.
Jul 2021 - Geological drugs and prophylactics – discovering how knowledge of geology was used in the past to prevent disease and protect against ailments
Dr Chris Duffin will remind us that the avoidance of and protection against disease in the historical past, without the benefit of a modern understanding of pathogen transmission, physiology and public health, was an unreliable business. As a consequence the natural world was exploited for potential drugs and protective materials – amongst which are a surprising range of geological components.
Sep 2021 - How the geology of Malvern, as a popular health resort, was investigated, analysed and popularised in the 19th century
Dr Chris Duffin will remind us that the avoidance of and protection against disease in the historical past, without the benefit of a modern understanding of pathogen transmission, physiology and public health, was an unreliable business. As a consequence the natural world was exploited for potential drugs and protective materials – amongst which are a surprising range of geological components.
Oct 2021 - The history of petroleum exploration: evolving technologies based on a handful of underlying principles.
The first geological principles explaining petroleum finds were established in the early 1900s in exploration on land. Petroleum exploration progressed when technologies enabled these first principles to be applied to ‘hidden’ prospects (e.g. offshore).
Nov 2021 - The ‘Discovery’ of the Silurian: following in the footsteps of Murchison.
Dr Chris Duffin will remind us that the avoidance of and protection against disease in the historical past, without the benefit of a modern understanding of pathogen transmission, physiology and public health, was an unreliable business. As a consequence the natural world was exploited for potential drugs and protective materials – amongst which are a surprising range of geological components.