The glacier theory of Louis Rendu (1789–1859) and the Forbes–Tyndall controversy

Abstract

A translation is presented of an early formulation by Louis Rendu of the ideas later expanded in his 1841 Théorie des glaciers de Savoie, which described the movement of glaciers in terms of flowing ice. The reputation of James Forbes suffered, at least temporarily, from the accusation that he had deprived Rendu of due credit for this discovery. Although Rendu played no part in the disagreement, subsequent discussion of his scientific work has continued to view it in the context of this dispute, and concentrated on a single monograph. Rendu's earlier discussion of glaciers in his monograph about the geology of Savoy, in which he summarised his argument, but without the supporting evidence included in the latter work, was apparently overlooked even by his supporters.