Features the papers that focus on aspects of geology's cultivation during the 'long' 18th century, from the times of Hooke, Leibniz, and Fontenelle to those of Lavoisier, Werner, and Cuvier. '[Rhoda Rappaport's work] remains impressive for its detail, its erudition, its clarity and its impressively thorough examination of complex issues, all viewed through the lenses provided by detailed and extensive archival researches. As mentioned already, her contributions were of a quality and scholarly influence that were out of all proportion to their bulk.' Metascience '... this volume provides [...] rich insights on how the thought of an innovative historian of science evolves, turns to unexpected facts, broadens its scope and eventually addresses a variety of initially unforeseen questions along with their diverse ramifications.' History of Geo- and Space Sciences 'This book is a deserved memorial volume...' Archives of Natural History 'The collection brings together a fine selection of important articles published by one of the leading twentieth-century experts on the social and scientific foundations of early modern geology.' Ambix