Jayp reviewed The Highlands controversy by D. R. Oldroyd (Science and its conceptual foundations)
A hard rock detective story
5 stars
Oldroyd does an admirable, and well researched, job of telling one story that shows how the science of Geology became a mature science in the middle at late 19th century. The principles, tools, and ideas about geological field mapping are so simplistic that an elementary aged student could likely understand them, and yet as Oldroyd shows with The Highland Controversy, the most important tool is the geologists mind and ability to think creatively. Followed closely by a willingness to climb to the top of every hill, an eye for detail, and the drive to see ones work through.
The Highlands Controversy is not a light a read, and I can imagine it could be difficult to follow in places for someone without a background in the geological sciences. However, I believe that most of those who are interested in the history of science will enjoy this book. Oldroyd was not …
Oldroyd does an admirable, and well researched, job of telling one story that shows how the science of Geology became a mature science in the middle at late 19th century. The principles, tools, and ideas about geological field mapping are so simplistic that an elementary aged student could likely understand them, and yet as Oldroyd shows with The Highland Controversy, the most important tool is the geologists mind and ability to think creatively. Followed closely by a willingness to climb to the top of every hill, an eye for detail, and the drive to see ones work through.
The Highlands Controversy is not a light a read, and I can imagine it could be difficult to follow in places for someone without a background in the geological sciences. However, I believe that most of those who are interested in the history of science will enjoy this book. Oldroyd was not a geologist himself, and he does an excellent job of walking the reader through terms and concepts. For professional geologists, especially those working with and creating geological maps, this book is essential reading. The types of conflicts and problems with methodology and lack of imagination still exist to this very day!
As a field geologist who creates geologic maps using techniques that are fundamentally the same as described in The Highlands Controversy I loved this book. Many parts were extremely relatable while other parts were sober warnings about professional conduct. While James Hutton taught us "the present is the key to the past" geologists, and scientists in general, should not hesitate to learn the history of their field, so that we do not have to relearn hard won truths discovered by our antecedents.