This novel explores the life of a somewhat forgotten historical character who was pivotal in the development and understanding of geology as we do today. When we look back at a time when Galileo was persecuted for trying to publish his views on modern science and astronomy, or how the Church banned the publishings of Nicolas Copernicus, we can reflect on a time when using observational scientific methods and making theories in direct contrast against the church teachings was dangerous. Nicolas Steno may not be remembered among the likes of Galileo, Isaac Newton, Copernicus or Baruch Spinoza, but his contribution to mankind is just as crucially important.
The Seashell on the Mountaintop explores the life of a controversial individual thinker at a time when it was increasingly difficult to become a scientist without incurring the wrath of the Church. But Steno was no ordinary scientist, as his discoveries and theses often challenged his faith. Unlike many of his contemporaries, his Christian faith was part of Steno's foundation, and the book explores this duality of beliefs, and the life of one of the most intriguing Danish scientists, who later became a Blessed Catholic priest.
This book was written in 2003 by Alan Cutler, a geologist and palaeontologist who documents the life of a 17th-century Scientist and later bishop. The full title is The Seashell on the Mountaintop: A Story of Science, Sainthood, and the Humble Genius Who Discovered a New History of the Earth. Steno did just that, although his writings and findings were ignored for the better part of a century, and ultimately, the man converted to Catholocism, became a priest and was one of the leading figures in the Counter-Reformation.
This book explores the great disparity between scientific thought and church dogma at the time. The Seashells on the Mountaintop is not a difficult read, and it is a highly rewarding experience for anyone interested. It is very much the life of a man who questions his faith and wants to discover more about the world we live in. Steno questioned the notion that fossils grew in the ground and were not bygone relics of an ancient world that predated Christian thought at the time.
Readers do not necessarily need a background in geology sciences or need to know the intricacies of the theology and politics of the time. This book is very much a biography of one of the most interesting figures of the time, who was a pivotal character both in the development of scientific thought and also as a Counter-Reformation bishop who spread the doctrine of the Church. Steno was born in changing times. On the one hand, the Church was trying to reinstate its position as a theological and political force in Europe, but on the other, the continent was at the peak of the Renaissance.
The scientific findings of the book are fascinating to behold. However, even if readers are not particularly intrigued by the discoveries themselves, they can still enjoy the book as a thought-provoking biography. It is highly worth a read, and a fascinating insight into how the world was run back in one of the most important periods of humanity.
