Geologist who vigorously attacked the theories of catastrophism. Lyell believed instead in uniformitarianism the uniformity of geological forces that requires an Earth old enough for these forces to account for its present state. Lyell was a powerful influence on Charles Darwin, providing for him the stage on which he could set his theory of evolution and natural selection. In 1830-33, Lyell published Principles of Geology, Being an Attempt to Explain the Former Changes of the Earth’s Surface by Reference to Causes Now in Operation (three volumes).
Lyell was so passionate about the uniformity of the past that he refused to accept the validity of any catastrophe, abrupt change, or progression in the natural history of the Earth. The debate went on for many years between Lyell and the great champion of catastrophe, Baron Georges CUVIER. Scientists accepted a more balanced form of uniformitarianism following the publication of Darwin’s theories.