Prof. Dr. Gerald M. Friedman

EDITOR OF EARTH SCIENCES HISTORY 1981-1993, HONORARY LIFETIME MEMBER OF HESS (ELECTED 2001)

In the Spring of 1980, William M. Jordan organized a symposium on the ‘History of Geology in the U.S. Northeast.’ Publication of this symposium in the Spring 1981 issue of Northeastern Geology (v. 3, no. 1) stimulated such interest and enthusiasm that it sold out before the end of the year. Obviously, a widespread demand existed for a publication on the history of the earth sciences, and during 1981, I discussed the mechanics of publication of a journal with whoever agreed to listen (Friedman 1981).

During this early stage, George W. White (1903-1985), Hugh S. Torrens, and Joan M. Eyles responded with support and enthusiasm. At the meeting of the Geological Society of America in November 1981, Ellis L. Yochelson (1927-2006), stirred interest in a society whose function would include publication of a journal and jointly with the support of Claude C. Albritton, Michele L. Aldrich, Douglas A. Bassatt, and Walter O. Kupsch solicited responses, which led to the creation of ‘History of Earth Sciences Society’ known as HESS. A wave of enthusiasm moved us from the initial idea, to the formation of the society, and to a publication of the first issue of the new journal in less than a year.

This new journal, Earth Sciences History Journal (ESHJ), was designed for a wide range of scientists, historians of science, and archivists. Home of this journal was to be the Northeastern Science Foundation in Troy, New York. The format and style of the new journal were somewhat flexible. Earth scientists preferred the format and the style of standard geological journals, whereas historians of science and archivists wanted to follow the style of ISIS.

During the early stage Claude C. Albritton, John G. Dennis, Joan M. Eyles, John Haller, and George W. White, all now deceased, responded with favor and enthusiasm for the proposed journal. Others who supported publication of a journal included Michele L. Aldrich, Douglas A. Bassett, Kennard B. Bork, Walter O. Kupsch, Hugh S. Torrens, Ellis L. Yochelson, and George W. White. Thus, I appointed an editorial board from among these supporters and added Stephen G. Brush, James X. Corgan, John F. Dewey, Donald W. Fisher, John Haller, William M. Jordan, Daniel F. Merriam, Cecil J. Schneer, and C. Gordon Winder.

Without George White’s long and energetic interest in the history of earth sciences, it is unlikely that either the society or its journal would now exist.

Thus in the first issue, I wrote “Welcome to the new journal devoted to the history of the earth sciences. With specialized journals proliferating and many budgets shrinking, this may not seem to be the optimal time to launch a new publication, however, a growing recognition that the history of the earth sciences is a rich field which should profit from having its own forum”. Responses to notices were sufficiently gratifying that we became optimistic that HESS would serve authors and audiences well.

My twelve years (1981-1993) as Editor were exceptionally challenging years in which we created from a mere dream a first-rate publication. My successors Mott T. Green, Gregory A. Good, and Patrick N. Wyse Jackson were excellent.

The society was an American Creation. The British history of geology program likewise was an active endeavor, and during sessions when I lectured at Imperial College, University of London I attended many of their meetings. However, after completion of my HESS editorship and the editorships went to Jackson in Ireland the presidency of the society went to Martin J.S. Rudwick of Cambridge University in England. Rudwick was originally a geologist, but explained ‘I turned myself in mid-career from geologist into historian” (Rudwick 2007). Many of our members were upset that the American society transferred to Europe and that the presidency fell to a non-geologist. I was asked to become a candidate for president, but was defeated. Apparently the vision of the members shifted from our original interests of 1980 when HESS was created.