Edwin Sherbon Hills facts for kids

Edwin Sherbon Hills (born August 31, 1906 – died May 2, 1986) was a very important Australian geologist. He was considered one of Australia's "most eminent scientists" and "most accomplished geologists" by the time he passed away. He was also one of the first members of the Australian Academy of Science.

Early Life and Education

Edwin Hills grew up in a part of Melbourne called Carlton. He was a top student at Carlton Primary School and won a scholarship to attend University High School. After finishing high school in 1924, he received another scholarship to study at the University of Melbourne.

When he first started university, Edwin thought he wanted to be a chemist. He chose geology as an extra subject. However, he soon found that geology was his true passion. He decided to become a geologist, someone who studies the Earth's rocks and landforms.

University Studies and Discoveries

Edwin Hills continued his studies at the University of Melbourne, working on his Master of Science degree. For his research, he explored the Cathedral Range area near Melbourne. There, he studied ancient fossil fish, volcanic rocks, and how the land was shaped.

With strong support from his professor, Edwin won a special scholarship called the 1851 Exhibition scholarship. This allowed him to travel to the United Kingdom in 1929. He began his PhD studies at the Royal College of Science (now part of Imperial College London). He kept researching fossil fish and also learned about the different types of igneous rocks and their minerals. During his studies, he was invited to join the Geological Society of London, a big honor for geologists.

A Career in Geology

After finishing his studies, Edwin Hills was offered a job at the British Museum. But his professor back in Melbourne had worked hard to get him a teaching position at the University of Melbourne. So, Edwin returned to Australia and started lecturing at the university in 1932. That same year, he married Claire Doris Fox, whom he had met in London. They had three children together.

Teaching and Research at Melbourne

Edwin Hills taught at the University of Melbourne from 1932 to 1943. He moved up the ranks from lecturer to senior lecturer, and then to associate professor. In 1944, he became a full professor and the head of the geology department. He held this important position until 1971. He also helped manage the university as Deputy Vice-Chancellor from 1962 to 1971.

During his time at Melbourne, Edwin studied many different areas of geology. He researched Australian fossil fish from ancient times, how landforms are created, and the movement of water. He also looked at the rocks and minerals of Victoria and studied economic geology, which is about finding useful natural resources.

Besides writing many scientific papers, Edwin Hills also wrote three important geology textbooks. These books included Outlines of Structural Geology (first published in 1940), The Physiography of Victoria: an Introduction to Geomorphology (first published in 1940), and Elements of Structural Geology (first published in 1963). All of these books were reprinted many times, showing how useful they were.

Awards and Recognition

Edwin Hills played a key role in starting the Geological Society of Australia in 1951. In the same year, he received the Bigsby Medal from the Geological Society of London, a major award for geologists.

In 1954, he was elected to the Royal Society, a very old and respected scientific group. He was also one of the first members of Australia's main science organization, the Australian Academy of Science. Edwin served on many important committees, including a UNESCO committee that advised on research in dry areas. For all his contributions to science, he was made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 1971.