Hutton’s Section, Salisbury Crags

Radical Road, Edinburgh EH8 8AL

At this site James Hutton found proof for his theory that heat plays an essential role in rock formation.  He believed that a band of molten rock had been injected into older strata long after the formation of the surrounding rock. During Charles Darwin’s time as a medical student in Edinburgh in 1825-7 he accompanied the professor of natural history, Robert Jameson, on a field trips to Salisbury Crags. Darwin later recalled being deeply unimpressed by Jameson’s explanation that these intrusive rocks had been deposited from above by precipitation from the sea rather than injected as magma from below.

A plaque at the site give some interesting information on its history and significance.

Caricature of James Hutton (1726-97).

Plaque at Hutton’s Section.

Charles Darwin (1809–82).

Portrait of Robert Jameson (1774–1854) by one of his students, c.1831.

Find out more

• National Library of Scotland, Scottish Science Hall of Fame: James Hutton (1726–1797)
• Education Scotland, Scottish Enlightenment: James Hutton (1726–1797)
• Edinburgh Festival 2016, Deep Time: James Hutton and Deep Time explained in cartoon form
• Edinburgh Festival 2016, Deep Time: Video of the opening event, focusing on deep time and James Hutton