Hutton

Hutton, Dr. James (1726-97), a distinguished geologist and natural philosopher, to whose epoch-making work, Theory of the Faith (1st. ed. 1785), the subsequent advance of geological science-in Great Britain is largely due. Born and educated at Edinburgh, on leaving the university he entered a lawyer's office; but soon gave up law for medicine, which he studied in Edinburgh, Paris, and Leyden, where he graduated as doctor (1749). From 1750, when he inherited a farm in Berwickshire, to 1754 he studied agriculture in Norfolk and abroad. From 1754 - 68 he resided on and managed his farm. After this, having let his farm, he lived in Edinburgh, devoted to scientific researches and enjoying literary and scientific society. His theories and methods were brought into prominence and developed by Professor John Playfair.