More than two hundred members of the public took the opportunity to view an original copy of the “A Delineation of the Strata of England and Wales with parts of Scotland” by William Smith in the foyer of the Research School of Earth Sciences (RSES). The map is one of the treasures the ANU possesses, and is one of approximately a hundred originals left. It received much publicity through the publication of “The Map that changed the World” by renowned author, Simon Winchester.

Professor Patrick De Deckker gave a wonderful insight into the man behind the map and how Smith came to prepare this amazing map. William Smith, who received little formal education was self taught and developed new concepts in geology, plus used fossils to correlate rock formations across the landscape. He ran into many difficulties, some financial, but persevered to eventually publish his map in 1815. Hence, we celebrated the bicentenary of the publication of this map during Earth Science Week. It was only much later in his life that William Smith received recognition for his achievements and became known as the “Father of Geology”. He was, in many ways, and innovator.

Patrick also prepared a display facing the map that illustrates many features recognized on the map and this is also accompanied by a series of documents and fossils that explain how the map came to be published. The display is visible on the first floor of the building [J8] where the map is hanging permanently. The ANU map was purchased 50 years ago by David Brown who was the Foundation Professor of the Geology Department, now amalgamated with RSES.

For additional information: www.strata-smith.com