Jan. 14 , 2008

Norman – Kenneth L. Taylor, Emeritus Presidential Professor of the History of Science at the University of Oklahoma, was awarded the 2007 Mary C. Rabbitt History of Geology Award, presented by the Geological Society of America at its annual meeting in October, for his contributions of fundamental importance to the understanding of the history of the geological sciences.

Taylor, retired from the College of Arts and Sciences History of Science Department in 2006, was given the award for his work studying the history of geology, mainly theories of geology during the 1700s in France.  His findings have been published in many countries, including France, Great Britain, Italy, Germany, Denmark, Russia, Australia and the United States.  A volume of his essays, The Earth Sciences in the Enlightenment: Studies on the Early Development of Geology, has been published in England by Ashgate Publishers.

In his response to the announcement, Taylor said, “I am honored and delighted to have my name added to the list of distinguished contributors to scholarly work in the history of geology who have won this award since it was inaugurated 25 years ago.”   

The Geological Society of America was established in 1888 and is the chief professional society for geologists in North America, with more than 20,000 members.  The award is named after Mary C. Rabbitt, a prominent geophysicist and scientific administrator with the U.S. Geological Survey.  The GSA named this award in her honor in 2005.