John William Dawson

John William Dawson (1820–1899) was a pioneering Canadian geologist and educator. He served as the first chancellor of McGill University and made significant contributions to our understanding of Earth’s history through his geological studies, particularly of Canadian rock formations. Dawson emphasized the importance of careful examination of fossils and rock layers to reconstruct Earth's past. His work helped establish geology as a scientific discipline in Canada, and he played a crucial role in advancing natural sciences during the 19th century. Dawson's research bridged geology and biology, shaping our comprehension of Earth's development over millions of years.