“Charles Lyell’s importance as a world-leading scientist is unquestioned. His remarkable notebooks are key to appreciating his standing as arguably the most significant figure in the earth sciences in Britain in the past two centuries. They illuminate our understanding of the nineteenth century, and shed light on contemporary concerns including climate change, species diversity and the meanings of deep time. We are delighted that the University of Edinburgh’s efforts together with the generous support from many donors and different institutions to save Lyell’s fascinating notebooks has been successful and look forward to these being made public.”

Professor Charles W J Withers, Ogilvie Chair of Geography, University of Edinburgh, Geographer Royal for Scotland

Professor James A Secord, Professor of History and Philosophy of Science, University of Cambridge, Director, Darwin Correspondence Project

To keep up to date with our access plans and progress, or to learn more about the Sir Charles Lyell Collection at Edinburgh, please visit our website and blog:

Find out about the University of Edinburgh’s commitment to making our collections freely accessible to all and learn more about our archives.