John Tyndall
The Glaciers of the Alps
Being a narrative of excursions and ascents, an account of the origin and phenomena of glaciers and an exposition of the physical principles to which they are related
"The Glaciers of the Alps" by John Tyndall is a scientific publication written in the mid-19th century. The book serves as both a narrative of Tyndall's Alpine explorations and a detailed examination of glaciers, their origins, and the principles that govern their behavior. It is likely designed to bridge the gap between entertaining accounts of exploration and insightful scientific explanation, appealing to both lay readers and those with a burgeoning curiosity in the field of glaciology. The opening portion of the work begins with Tyndall’s reflections on his experiences leading up to his Alpine explorations. He recounts a visit to North Wales, where he becomes intrigued by the geological phenomena of slate rocks, which provokes questions about their cleavage and the forces behind it. This curiosity spurs him into the realm of physical inquiry, which he connects to his later studies of glaciers, setting the stage for the narrative to delve into his adventures in the Swiss Alps. As he details his observations of glaciers during an expedition with fellow explorer Mr. Huxley, Tyndall introduces readers to the beauty and starkness of these icy landscapes, while laying the groundwork for the scientific discussions to follow.