William Edmond Logan facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sir William Edmond Logan
|
|
|---|---|
Sir William Edmond Logan (1869)
|
|
| Born | 20 April 1798 |
| Died | 22 June 1875 (aged 77) Castell Malgwyn, Wales
|
| Nationality | Canadian |
| Alma mater | University of Edinburgh |
| Known for | "Geology of Canada" (1863) |
| Awards | Wollaston Medal (1856) Royal Medal (1867) |
| Scientific career | |
| Fields | Geology |
| Institutions | Director of the Geological Survey of Canada (1842–69) |
Sir William Edmond Logan was a famous geologist from Canada. He was born in 1798 and lived until 1875. Logan is best known for starting and leading the Geological Survey of Canada (GSC). This important organization helps us understand Canada's rocks and minerals.
Contents
Early Life and a Love for Rocks
William Logan was born in Montreal in 1798. His family was quite wealthy. He was sent to Edinburgh, Scotland, for his education. There, he learned many languages and became good at music and art.
How Logan Discovered Geology
In the 1830s, Logan started working at a copper factory in Wales. This is where he became very interested in geology. He taught himself a lot about rocks and the Earth. Soon, his amazing geological maps and ideas caught the attention of important geologists in Great Britain. Their support helped him become the first director of the Geological Survey of Canada.
Starting the Geological Survey of Canada
For many years, people in Canada wanted an organization to map the country's mineral resources. In 1841, the government finally set aside money for this. Logan officially started his job in 1842.
The First Steps of the GSC
By 1843, Logan set up the GSC's first office in a small room in Montreal. He also hired Alexander Murray as his assistant. At that time, coal was very important for industries. So, the GSC's first big goal was to find coal in Canada.
Exploring Canada's Landscape
In 1843, Logan explored areas between Pictou, Nova Scotia, and the Gaspé Peninsula. Murray explored between Lake Erie and Lake Huron. The next year, Logan mapped the north shore of the Gaspé Peninsula. He also explored inland mountains. One of these peaks was named Mount Logan in his honor. (This is not the highest mountain in Canada, which is also called Mount Logan and is in Yukon).
Important Discoveries and Canada's Future
After his early explorations, Logan reported that there were no large coal deposits in the Province of Canada. This finding made the idea of joining with the coal-rich Maritime Provinces more appealing. It was one of the reasons that led to Confederation in 1867.
Logan also made other big discoveries. He identified different types of rock areas. These included folded rocks in Quebec, flat limestones extending west, and very old crystalline rocks to the north. These old rocks turned out to be part of Canada's mineral-rich Precambrian Shield.
Beyond Coal: Bitumen and Petroleum
Since coal was scarce, Logan became interested in bitumen deposits. These were found in Enniskillen Township. In 1850, a report from the Survey showed that bitumen could be used for asphalt, ship caulking, or lamp fuel. This caught the eye of Charles and Henry Tripp. In 1854, they started the International Mining and Manufacturing Company. This was the world's first petroleum company!
Logan as a Leader and Promoter
Logan was not just good at geology; he was also a great manager. In the 1850s, he grew the GSC team. He hired more geologists, a paleontologist (who studies fossils), a chemist, and a museum expert. He also worked hard to get money from the government for the GSC. If needed, he even used his own money, as he was a wealthy man. He often joked that he was "married to the rocks" because he was so dedicated to his work.
By the late 1850s, Logan had built the GSC into a strong organization. It could explore, make maps, study minerals and fossils, write reports, and run a public museum.
Sharing Canada's Riches with the World
Logan was also good at showing off Canada's mineral resources to other countries. He did this at big international events. One was the 1851 world fair in London, England, at the Crystal Palace. Another was the Universal Exposition in Paris in 1855. Canada's participation in these events made other countries interested in Canadian minerals. Logan also received many personal honors.
He won an honorable mention for exhibiting the Tripps' asphalt. In 1855, he received the French Cross of the Legion of Honour. His biggest honor was being knighted by Queen Victoria in 1856. That same year, he received the Wollaston Medal, a top award for geologists. Logan received many awards throughout his career.
Building a Museum for Everyone
In 1856, Logan was allowed to open a Geological Museum to the public. He set it up at the GSC headquarters in Montreal. This museum grew over the years. Today, both the Canadian Museum of Nature and the Canadian Museum of History can trace their beginnings back to Logan's museum.
Logan's Legacy: Books and Maps
One of the GSC's most important achievements under Logan was publishing the Geology of Canada in 1863. This 983-page book contained everything known about Canadian geology up to that time. It was praised around the world for its detailed information and clear writing.
In 1864, Logan also helped start the Geological Survey of Newfoundland. He asked Alexander Murray to be its first director.
In 1869, Logan's geological map of Canada was published. It showed the geology and geography of southeastern Canada. This map was a huge achievement. A smaller version of this map, printed in 1864, was the first full picture of the geology of what is now southern Ontario and Quebec.
Retirement and Passing
Logan retired in 1869 when he was 71 years old. He passed away on June 22, 1875, at his sister's home in Wales. He is buried in a churchyard there.
Honors and Recognition
Sir William Logan has been honored in many ways:
- Mount Logan, Canada's highest mountain, was named after him in 1890.
- A rare mineral, weloganite, discovered in Montreal in 1966, was named in his honor.
- The Geological Association of Canada gives out the Logan Medal every year. It is their highest award.
- In 1998, Maclean's magazine called Logan 'Canada's Greatest Scientist'.
- In 2005, Logan's book Geological Survey of Canada: Report of Progress from its Commencement to 1863 was named one of the 100 most important Canadian books.
