Work

James Croll – a man ‘greater far than his work’

Year: 2021
Type: article
Abstract: ABSTRACT Popular and scholarly information concerning the life of James Croll has been accumulating slowly since the death in 1890 of the self-taught climate change pioneer. The papers in the current volume offer thorough assessments of topics associated with Croll's work, but this contribution seeks to provide a personal context for an understanding of James Croll the man, as well as James Croll the scholar of sciences and religion. Using archival as well as published sources, emphasis is placed upon selected components of his life and some of the less recognised features of his biography. These include his family history, his many homes, his health, participation in learned societies and attitudes to collegiality, financial problems including the failed efforts to secure a larger pension, and friendship. Life delivered a mixture of ‘trials and sorrows’, but it seems clear from the affection and respect accorded him that many looked upon James Croll as a ‘man greater far than his work’.
Authors: Kevin J. EDWARDS, Mike ROBINSON
Language: English
Subfield: History
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $3,255
OpenAlex ID: W3172380883
FWCI: 17.1
Cites: 34
Cited by: 6
Related to: 10