Hutton, considered to be the father of modern geology, was born in Edinburgh, Scotland, into a family of merchants. Hutton's father died when he was three years old. However, he provided generously for his children in his will, and Hutton never had to seriously pursue a living. As a young man Hutton entered Edinburgh University as a student of the humanities. He developed a strong interest in chemistry but accepted a law apprenticeship on the advice of friends who felt he should pursue a more lucrative career. Not long after he left his position to study medicine, then the only means of obtaining an extensive knowledge of chemistry. After moving briefly to Paris, he eventually transferred to the University of Leiden in Holland where he graduated in 1749 with his M.D. It was during this time that he developed an interest in geology and mineralogy.

After returning to...