In 1787, William Smith began mapping England as a surveyor’s assistant; 28 years later, his travels produced the first geological map of an entire country, only for him to land in debtors’ prison
In 1787, William Smith began mapping England as a surveyor’s assistant. Twenty-eight years later, his endless travels produced the world’s first nationwide geological map. His pioneering work completely revolutionized how scientists understand earth strata and geological science. Yet despite this historic achievement, severe financial hardship soon crushed him. Just four…
The Economic Times ·
