HOGG Past Meeting Resources
Resources from past events organised by the History of Geology Group can be found below. If there is an event you would like details for, or questions about any past meeting resources that we can make available, please email us.
Geological Collectors and Collecting Conference
Date: 4-5 April 2011
The conference covered the collecting of geological maps and books in addition to the collecting of fossils, rocks and minerals.
Professor Richard Fortey of the Natural History Museum London opened the conference with a talk highlighting Natural History Museum collectors and collecting, including his own personal experiences as a fossil collector. The tours offered participants a rare opportunity to see behind-the-scenes in the palaeontology, rock and minerals departments at the Natural History Museum, and to view exhibits of rare books and maps in the Museum's library. The workshops provided hands-on advice on organising and conserving geological collections of all types and sizes – including the sort of small private collections many of us have amassed in our own homes and garages.
Geology and Medicine
Date: 1-2 November 2011
Medicine was essentially the birthplace for both natural science and geology and the first descriptions of rocks, minerals and fossils are often attributed to early physicians. One of the first pharmacies opened on the Arcadian Way in Ephesus around 400BC whereas the Egyptians prescribed mineral salts ground by mortar and pestle. Nicholas Steno (1638-1686) was an early example of a physician cum palaeontologist whereas James Parkinson (1755-1824) was a founding father of the Geological Society of London. This conference was dedicated to the memory of such personalities.
On-shore Hydrocarbons Use
Date: 20-22 April 2007