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1850 Hugh Miller portrait photograph
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1850 Hugh Miller portrait photograph
Hugh Miller, Scottish geologist and palaeontologist. Born 1802 died 1856. Photographic frontispiece of author appearing in a posthumous edition of Millers " My Schools and Schoolmasters". Miller was a strong-willed and hard working stonemason who went on to become an accomplished self-trained geologist/author. He is particularly associated with the mainly Devonian old red sandstone of Scotland. His suicide while preparing to publish his final book, " Testament of the Rocks" diminished his reputation and some say damaged geology as a victorian hobby. Often cited as a fevered result of a conflict between science and religion - his brief suicide note seems to suggest he was scared of injuring his family during delusions (psychosis)
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Media ID 6345035
© PAUL D STEWART/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY
Creationist Depression Devonian Geologist Mental Illness Natural Theology Psychosis Psychotic Religion Science And Religion Scot Land Scottish Suicide Early Photography Old Red Sandstone
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This print captures the essence of Hugh Miller, a Scottish geologist and palaeontologist who lived from 1802 to 1856. The portrait, taken in 1850, showcases Miller's determined and hardworking nature as he gazes confidently into the camera. This image was later used as a frontispiece in a posthumous edition of his renowned work "My Schools and Schoolmasters". Miller's journey from being a skilled stonemason to becoming a self-taught geologist and author is truly remarkable. He is best known for his association with Scotland's ancient Devonian old red sandstone. However, despite his significant contributions to the field of geology, Miller's reputation suffered after his tragic suicide while preparing to publish his final book titled "Testament of the Rocks". The circumstances surrounding Miller's suicide have been widely debated, often attributed to conflicts between science and religion during Victorian times. His brief suicide note suggests that he may have been battling delusions (psychosis) out of fear for harming his family. This photograph serves as an important reminder not only of Miller's accomplishments but also sheds light on mental illness and its impact on individuals regardless of their intellectual pursuits or achievements. It stands as a testament to both the brilliance and vulnerability that coexist within humanity - capturing not just one man but also embodying broader themes such as depression, psychosis, science versus religion debates, creationism controversies, early photography techniques, natural theology beliefs prevalent at that time period, and amateur scientific endeavors. (Photo credit: Paul D. Stewart/Science Photo Library)
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