William Schulz (1805-1877) and the French Société Géologique

Abstract

In the late eighteenth century, the energy and production demands produced by the Industrial Revolution determined that geology became established as an independent scientific discipline. The foundation of mining academies and university professorships in several European countries allowed the development of new concepts and theories. But scientific associations also played a key role in the creation of an international geological community, promoting the dissemination of knowledge, exchanges, and meetings. Thus, after the establishment of the pioneering Geological Society of London in 1807, France created its own society in 1830 and began publishing a bulletin, which quickly became an essential tool for the development of the new science. William Schulz (1805-1877) trained as a mining engineer at the Georg-August-Universität in Göttingen. After working for four years in the lead mines of Almeria, in 1830 he became commissioner of mines for the Spanish administration. In 1832, apart from his facultative tasks, the General Directorate of Mines commanded him to prepare a report and a geognostic map of Galicia, and two years later of Asturias. In order to keep abreast of the rapid advances made in geology, he joined the French Geological Society in 1833. He was the first to send to the results of his research to the Society, as well as various articles. His aim was to contribute to the advancement of knowledge and attract the attention of potential foreign investors. Schulz also collaborated with the Society by presenting some of his friends and colleagues as new members.