These cartoons provide a humorous window into some of early geology's most compelling arguments, from the vantage of one of the leading lights of the era. What someone draws can sometimes be more revealing than what they write. These cartoons provide insight into the thought-process and biases, spoken and unspoken, of an active research scientist. In many of the cartoons, what is at issue is the very question of how science is done.
Beyond the historical interest, they also have potential educational use, as hooks or interesting illustrations of concepts.
And also, of course -- they are fun.
What is included in this archive:
My goal is to primarily include in this archive cartoons that are:
1) About geology (or paleontology)
2) By a geologist (liberally interpreted. Breüner was not a geologist per se, but he was a Fellow of the Geological Society of London, which had loose membership rules. Geology was still mainly the domain of gentlemanly hobbyists. On the other hand, Punch cartoons, enjoyable as they may be, would not be included.)
3) From the early 1800s to early 1900s. (Conveniently, this means that any such cartoon would be public domain.)
Of course, the rules may be bent.
Will you include [X] cartoon?
If you know of any other sources of geological cartoons, please let me know! I scoured the web as best I could, but I am certain more must be available. Email me at the address provided below.
How to reach the curator:
For any questions, comments, concerns, or correspondence, feel free to leave a comment -- or email me at:
Earth Letter Comics (all one word)
at google's electronic mail service; you know what that "at" is.
Sorry to put it half-cryptically but we all hate spam.
Rights Information:
It is my sincere belief that all of the 1800s-era images on this website are in the public domain. If this is not the case, and you are an IP holder, please let me know.
The Content Poster's Prayer:
Don't think to find within these pages
The wisdom of the seven sages;
Just read them with a friendly eye
And pass their imperfections by.
Or better -- If you find imperfections, email me!
(Poem stolen from the epigram to "A comprehensive historical sketch of Crystal Lake in Newton Centre , Massachusetts" (1911) [archive.org])
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