Description
Book SynopsisProfessor Matthew Heddle (1828-97) was a larger-than-life character, a renowned academic and one of Scotland's most famous mineralogists. His rich legacy includes: Encyclopaedia Britannica 9th edition (section on Mineralogy) A fossil fish Heddleichthys A mineral named after him (Mattheddleite) A summary of the Mineralogy of Scotland (published posthumously) 55 scientific papers 5,700 specimens from his collection now housed in the National Museum of Scotland and the National Museums Collection Centre. 10 children This book, by Heddle's great-great-grandson, is not an account of his scientific work but is about Heddle the man; it provides a much fuller picture of him than anything that has appeared before.
Trade Review' ... the book is a tribute to a mineralogist who will not soon be forgotten, written almost lovingly with great attention to detail by one with a family interest so deep that the resulting book can well serve as a model for others. It is highly recommended.' (Rocks and Minerals) ' ... The book gives a fascinating and detailed insight to Heddle the man, presenting his character and his contemporaries in a way which nicely augments his many technical publications and his fabulous collection of minerals, now in the National Museum [of Scotland]' (Journal of the Russell Society) ' ... it's pleasing to see this volume which reviews the lifetime contribution to science of this remarkable man. ... This superbly written volume will delight and enthrall you.' (Down to Earth) 'I can strongly recommend this book. It tells the story of a most interesting character who in the course of his epic collecting got to know the Scottish hills better than anyone else of his day.' (Scottish Mountaineering Club journal); 'I enjoyed reading it and found it a mass of information about Heddle, and the mineralogists, geologists, geological society, journals and museums of the day.' (Geological Curator);
Table of ContentsChapter: 1 - Heddle's parentage 2 - Childhood and schooling 3 - The Edinburgh doctor 4 - Early mineralogical activities 5 - University of St Andrews 6 - Heddle's collecting and scientific papers 7 - Heddle the mountaineer 8 - The retired professor: a new beginning 9 - Heddle's last years and legacy
