Charles Lyell was a scientist whose ideas were extremely important in the development of theories of geological and evolutionary change. His most influential textbook was Principles of Geology, published in 1833. Other well-known books written by Lyell are Travels in North America, with Geological Observations and The Antiquity of Man. Because of his great influence on the development of the principles of his discipline, Charles Lyell is sometimes referred to as a father of modern geology (along with another Scot, James Hutton, 1726-1797).

Lyell's most important theory, which built upon earlier work of Hutton, was the so-called theory of uniformitarianism, which largely refuted the previously widely believed doctrine of catastrophism.

According to the theory of uniformitarianism, major geological forces that are observed today also occurred in the past, and likely throughout the history of Earth. Examples of such forces include volcanism, earthquakes, and erosion by wind, water, and gravity...