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Alfred Tylor
(26 Jan 1824 - 31 Dec 1884)
English geologist and businessman who specialized in hydraulic geology and geomorphology, studying both prehistoric and contemporary riverine systems. He wrote a book, On Changes of Sea Level (1853), and presented 17 papers to the Royal Society, mostly on aspects of geology. His profession was as a brassfounder, following on from the family business.
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Science Quotes by Alfred Tylor (2 quotes)
It is very interesting to observe how high the rank may be in the world of science, without the aid of wealth. I have before me a letter of the late Dr. Dalton, who, notwithstanding his great reputation as a chemist, until a late period of his life was a teacher of mathematics. He remarks in this note, that if the price of mercury continues so dear he shall not be able to afford the expense of filling the barometers which he requires for some experiments.
— Alfred Tylor
In Education and Manufactures (1863), 44-45.
The mere consideration of the number of cubic feet of detritus annually removed from any tract of land by its rivers, does not produce so striking an impression upon the mind as the statement of how much the mean surface level of the district in question, would be reduced by such a removal.
— Alfred Tylor
In 'Changes of the Sea-Level Effected by Existing Physical Causes During Stated Periods of Time', The London, Edinburgh and Dublin Philosophical Magazine and Journal of Science (Apr 1853), 4th series, 5, 260-261. In this paper, Alfred Tylor was perhaps the first geologist to estimate the probable amount of solid matter annually brought to the ocean by rivers and other agents. He inferred that the quantity of detritus now distributed over the sea bottom every year would, at the end of 10,000 years, cause an elevation of the sea-level to the extent of at least three inches. In turn, the surface of a drainage basin would be lowered year upon year.
See also:
- 26 Jan - short biography, births, deaths and events on date of Tylor's birth.
- More for Alfred Tylor on Today in Science History page.
- Alfred Tylor - Obituary - Geological Magazine (1855)
In science it often happens that scientists say, 'You know that's a really good argument; my position is mistaken,' and then they would actually change their minds and you never hear that old view from them again. They really do it. It doesn't happen as often as it should, because scientists are human and change is sometimes painful. But it happens every day. I cannot recall the last time something like that happened in politics or religion.
(1987) -- 
