Geologic Map of England and Wales with Part of Scotland

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June 29, 2026

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William Smith, an English engineer and geologist, is renowned for developing the science of stratigraphy. His groundbreaking work, the "Geologic Map of England and Wales, with Part of Scotland," published in 1815, established the standard for modern geological mapping. Smith observed that distinct rock strata contained unique fossils, allowing him to trace these layers across vast distances. This insight led to the principle of faunal succession, a fundamental concept in geology that posits a consistent progression of life forms through rock layers. Many of the rock names Smith introduced are still in use today, solidifying his legacy as the "Founder of Stratigraphy."12

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Earth sciences
William Smith and faunal succession
…when William Smith published his Geologic Map of England and Wales with Part of Scotland (1815). A self-educated surveyor and engineer, Smith had the habit of collecting fossils and making careful note of the strata that contained them. He discovered that the different stratified formations in England contain distinctive assemblages…
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…when William Smith published his Geologic Map of England and Wales with Part of Scotland (1815). A self-educated surveyor and engineer, Smith had the habit of collecting fossils and making careful note of the strata that contained them. He discovered that the different stratified formations in England contain distinctive assemblages…
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geochronology
William Smith’s work with faunal sequence
…in the publication of his “Geologic Map of England, Wales and Part of Scotland” (1815), a rigorous treatment of diverse geologic information resulting from a thorough understanding of geologic principles, including those of original horizontality, superposition (lithologic, or rock, succession), and faunal succession. With this, it now became possible to…
Read More
…in the publication of his “Geologic Map of England, Wales and Part of Scotland” (1815), a rigorous treatment of diverse geologic information resulting from a thorough understanding of geologic principles, including those of original horizontality, superposition (lithologic, or rock, succession), and faunal succession. With this, it now became possible to…
Read More