Hugh Miller (1802-1856) was a self-taught Scottish geologist, writer, and folklorist. His books demonstrate extraordinary writing skill and insightful observation – as scientist and poet – of specimen and scenery, from microscope slide to landscape, and in careful reconstructions of fossil animals from fragmentary remains. Because of his eloquent style and abilities, his books were perhaps the foremost links between the sciences of geology/paleontology and English-speaking non-scientists during the later part of the 19th century. In addition his books encouraged many to undertake geological endeavors including Archibald Geikie (1835-1924), one of the major late 19th century English geologists.
Among his publications are
The Old Red Sandstone (1841),
Footprints of the Creator (1850), his autobiographical
My Schools and Schoolmasters (1854), his last-written book
The Testimony of the Rocks (1857) of which he completed final proofing on the night he died, and
Sketch-book of Popular Geology (1859); the last two were among several of his books that were published after he died. Of these books,
The Old Red Sandstone was exceptionally popular and went through many editions.
This work is assumed to be in the Life+70 public domain OR the copyright holder has given specific permission for distribution. Copyright laws differ throughout the world, and it may still be under copyright in some countries. Before downloading, please check your country's copyright laws.
If the book is under copyright in your country, do not download or redistribute this work.
To report a copyright violation you can
contact us here.