zoom_in Click to enlarge

Henry De la Beche

▲ ▼

description Henry De la Beche Overview

Henry De la Beche was a British geologist, paleontologist, and scientific administrator who founded the Geological Survey of Great Britain in 1835 and became its first director. He promoted systematic geological mapping as a practical public service supporting mining, agriculture, engineering, and scientific research. De la Beche also produced geological illustrations and wrote influential works that helped establish geology as a professional discipline in nineteenth-century Britain.

help Henry De la Beche FAQ

What significant organization did Henry De la Beche found?

Henry De la Beche founded the Geological Survey of Great Britain in 1835 and served as its first director. He was instrumental in establishing geological mapping as a practical public service to support industries like mining and agriculture.

Where can I find Henry De la Beche's geological maps today?

The geological maps created under De la Beche's direction laid the groundwork for the modern British Geological Survey (BGS). Many of these historical maps and records are preserved in the BGS archives, which continue to use his foundational work.

What is Henry De la Beche's connection to paleontology?

Beyond mapping, De la Beche was an active paleontologist who used fossils to understand ancient environments. He famously drew the satirical illustration "Awful Changes" in 1830, featuring a professorial ichthyosaur lecturing on a human fossil.

What was Henry De la Beche's role in the early scientific community?

He was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society and later knighted in 1842 for his contributions to science. He also served as the president of the Geological Society of London, helping to shape the discipline during its formative years.