Young Walter Scott and Old Dr. Hutton

Summary of the Article:

The article discusses the only meeting between Robert Burns and Walter Scott, which took place in the company of several Enlightenment figures, including James Hutton, the Scottish geologist. This event occurred around 1787 when Scott was 16, and Hutton was 61. Hutton was already developing his revolutionary theories on geology, particularly his concept of deep time, which challenged the then-dominant Biblical chronology of Earth's creation.

The article explores Scott's awareness of Hutton's work, noting that by 1795, when Scott was 24, he had already encountered Hutton's ideas through his publications. Scott references "old Dr. H—n" in The Antiquary (1816), indirectly acknowledging Hutton's influence. However, at the time of the Burns soiree, it seems that Hutton, absorbed in his work, was unaware of Scott's emerging authorship.

Hutton's ideas, though controversial, began gaining recognition long after his death. Scott, aware of the debate, participated in discussions through the Friday Club, founded in 1803 with some of Hutton’s associates. It was only much later, with the contributions of Charles Lyell and Charles Darwin, that Hutton's work gained the respect it deserved.

The article also highlights an interesting geographical connection between Siccar Point, where Hutton famously studied rock formations, and Fast Castle, which Scott mentions in his novel The Bride of Lammermuir (1819). The two sites are linked by proximity, and Scott refers to Fast Castle as the inspiration for the fictional Wolf’s Crag in his novel.

Key Points of Interest:

1. Meeting of Burns and Scott: The meeting took place with other Enlightenment figures, with Hutton being part of this group. The painting representing this meeting is significant for its depiction of the two literary giants.
2. Hutton's Theory of Deep Time: Hutton's revolutionary concept that Earth was much older than the 6000 years suggested by Biblical chronology laid the groundwork for modern geology, although it was not fully accepted during his lifetime.
3. Scott's Awareness of Hutton's Work: Scott, despite being younger, was well aware of Hutton's ideas and referenced them in his work, suggesting a connection between the two intellectuals even if Hutton didn’t know Scott as an author.
4. Geographical Link: The connection between Siccar Point and Fast Castle (featured in The Bride of Lammermuir) is a subtle but fascinating detail. Scott's reference to Fast Castle, which he had only viewed from the sea, shows an overlap between his literary imagination and the actual places studied by Hutton.
5. The Impact of Hutton’s Ideas: Hutton's work on deep time was controversial during his lifetime but eventually influenced later geologists, including Charles Lyell and Charles Darwin, changing the scientific understanding of Earth’s history.

This piece provides an intriguing insight into the intellectual environment of 18th-century Scotland and the connections between literature, geology, and the figures who shaped both fields.