Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

Clarke, Coal And Controversy: The Traumas Of Reverend W.B. Clarke In His Defence Of Australian Geology During The Nineteenth Century, Michael K. Organ

Michael Organ

[Extract] Though readily given the title Father of Australian geology , the Reverend W.B. Clarke remains something of a mysterious figure to Australian geologists. When asked what his major achievements were, few would be able to offer an answer. Yet such disregard is commonly the fate of many pioneers in the field of science, for once a discovery is made, or theory proven, the profession moves on to new and more challenging fields, with scant regard for the foundations upon which current work is based.... William Branwhite Clarke (1798-1878) was a pioneer in the field of Australian science who, though …