German geologist

One of the founders of stratigraphy, Abraham Werner was one of the first to apply the modern scientific method to many geological problems, had a powerful and positive influence on his scientists, and was one of the first to attempt a description of the geological history of the world free from religious and mystical explanations.

Werner was born in Wehrau, Silesia (now Germany), although some sources suggest it was the Wehrau in Upper Lusatia, (now Osiecznica, Poland). His father was the inspector of the Duke of Solm's ironworks, and much of Werner's education was designed to prepare him to follow in his father's footsteps. After being taught at home by his father and private tutors he enrolled in the new Bergakademie (Mining Academy) in Freiberg in 1769. While there, he was recruited into the Saxon mining service, but needed a law...