# Sir R. Murchison — The Origin of Species character guide

> Sir R. Murchison in The Origin of Species by Charles Darwin.

**Role:** minor

**Also known as:** Sir R. Murchison, Murchison

**First appearance:** 0073-x-on-the-imperfection-of-the-geological-record

## Who they are

A geologist who studied Silurian and Permian systems.

## In the story

### [On the Poorness of Palaeontological Collections](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_origin_of_species_se/chapters/on-the-poorness-of-palaeontological-collections)

Referenced for his great work on Russia showing wide gaps between superimposed formations.

### [On the Sudden Appearance of Groups of Allied Species in the Lowest Known Fossiliferous Strata](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_origin_of_species_se/chapters/on-the-sudden-appearance-of-groups-of-allied-species-in-the-lowest-known-fossiliferous-strata)

Believed the lowest Silurian stratum showed the first dawn of life.

### [On Extinction](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_origin_of_species_se/chapters/on-extinction)

Mentioned as a geologist whose general views would lead to catastrophic conclusions, though such views are now given up.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_origin_of_species_se/characters/murchison
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_origin_of_species_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_origin_of_species_se/characters