Lyell, Sir Charles
Lyell, Sir Charles (1797-1875), a British geologist. In Principles of Geology (3 volumes, 1830-33), Lyell conclusively demonstrated that the earth was very old and that its form had changed slowly, mainly from conditions such as erosion rather than great natural disasters. Lyell was able to date the ages of rocks by using fossils embedded in the stone as time indicators.
Charles Darwin made use of Lyell's data on fossils for his theory of evolution. Lyell himself had believed that the various species of plants and animals had remained unchanged since they were created. When confronted with Darwin's findings, he admitted I now realize I have been looking down the wrong road. He became one of Darwin's strongest supporters.
Lyell was born in Scotland. After graduation in 1819 from Oxford University, where his interest in geology was stimulated, he studied and briefly practiced law. In 1827 he gave up law to devote himself to geology. Lyell traveled on several geological expeditions in Europe and North America. He was knighted in 1848 and was created a baronet in 1864.