Alexander Henry Green facts for kids

Alexander Henry Green FRS (10 October 1832 – 19 August 1896) was an English geologist. A geologist is a scientist who studies the Earth's rocks, minerals, and landforms. He was also a Fellow of the Royal Society, which is a very important group for scientists in the United Kingdom.

The Life of Alexander Green

Early Life and Education

Alexander Green was born in Maidstone, England, on October 10, 1832. He was the oldest son of Thomas Sheldon Green, who was a headmaster at a school. Alexander went to his father's school first. Later, he studied at Gonville and Caius College, part of Cambridge University. He was a very good student and graduated in 1855. He became a fellow of his college, which means he was a special member, and stayed there until 1861.

Working as a Geologist

In 1861, Alexander Green joined the Geological Survey of Great Britain. This is a group that maps and studies the geology of the country. He first worked on rocks from the Jurassic and Cretaceous periods in central England. Then, he studied the coal-rich rocks in places like Derbyshire and Yorkshire.

In 1874, he left the survey to become a professor of geology at the Yorkshire College in Leeds. He also wrote a popular book called Physical Geology in 1876. Later, in 1885, he also taught mathematics. He even lectured on geology at a military engineering school in Chatham. In 1888, he became a geology professor at Oxford University.

Achievements and Later Life

Alexander Green became a member of the Geological Society in 1862. He received the Murchison Medal in 1892, which is a major award for geologists. In the same year, he was made an honorary fellow of Gonville and Caius College. In 1886, he was chosen as a Fellow of the Royal Society. This shows how respected he was in the science world.

In 1890, he was the president of the geology section at a big science meeting called the British Association. He was especially good at working in the field, studying rocks and landforms directly. His math skills also helped him understand how the Earth works. He was known for being a very clear teacher and writer.

Alexander Green worked very hard. He took on many tasks, including examining students and giving advice as a consultant. Sadly, he became very ill in the summer of 1896. He passed away on August 19, 1896, at his home near Oxford.

Family

Alexander Green was married twice. His first wife was Mary Marsden, whom he married in 1866. She passed away in 1882. In 1883, he married W. M. Armstrong, who survived him. He had one son and two daughters from his first marriage. He had another son and daughter from his second marriage. All his children survived him.