William Nicol Encyclopedia Article

William Nicol

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The following sections, if they exist, are offprint from Beacham's Encyclopedia of Popular Fiction: "Social Concerns", "Thematic Overview", "Techniques", "Literary Precedents", "Key Questions", "Related Titles", "Adaptations", "Related Web Sites". (c)1994-2005, by Walton Beacham.

The following sections, if they exist, are offprint from Beacham's Guide to Literature for Young Adults: "About the Author", "Overview", "Setting", "Literary Qualities", "Social Sensitivity", "Topics for Discussion", "Ideas for Reports and Papers". (c)1994-2005, by Walton Beacham.

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William Nicol

1768-1851

British geologist best known for inventing the Nicol prism for studying rocks and minerals under polarized light. The Nicol prism, still in widespread use today, made possible the use of petrographic microscopes for the study of sections of rock ground to near-transparency. This opened the door for the identification of small mineral grains and textures in rocks. Such knowledge gave new insights into the manner in which rocks, minerals, and large geologic features formed.