Event type:
Evening meeting, Lecture
Venue:
St Margaret's United Reformed Church, Victoria Avenue, Finchley
Event status:
EVENT CLOSED
Charles Darwin (1809-1882) is undoubtedly one of the great scientists of our time. Famous and controversial within his own lifetime, his enduring achievement was his theory of evolution by natural selection. He is, however, less well known as an accomplished geologist.
An early interest in fossils flourished at Cambridge where Darwin was introduced to Adam Sedgwick. Later, the voyage of HMS Beagle to South America provided the young man with the opportunity to study coral reefs and volcanic activity. His theory of sea floor subsidence was eventually vindicated in the 1950's. Darwin's output of geological papers far exceeded his published botanical and zoological research. However his reputation as a geologist was not unblemished, he eventually accepted that the 'roads' cut into sides of Glen Roy were glacial lake features not raised beaches, as he originally suggested.
Chris is a popular speaker, familiar to many of members, with a passionate interest in the lives of geology's pioneers and the evolution of the subject as a respected scientific discipline.
Time
7.30 for 8.00pm
Speaker
Dr Chris Duffin
Chris Duffin obtained a Ph.D. in Vertebrate Palaeontology at University College, London. His published papers span a wide range of geological disciplines. Chris has taught geology in schools and to adults (WEA and Birbeck College) for over 35 years. Recently retired from teaching, he was Head of Biology at Streatham and Clapham High School, an independent girls' school in South London.
Further information
The Amateur Geological Society meets on the second Tuesday of every month in The Parlour, St Margaret's United Reformed Church, Victoria Avenue, Finchley, London N3 1BD (5 minutes from Finchley Central station)
Visitors are always welcome but please inform Julia Daniels as space is limited.
There is a small charge of £2 for Temporary Membership.