I originally bought The Riddle of the Tongue-Stones by Thomas Salerno because I thought it would appeal to my science-minded preteens. But before I could slip it into my 7th grader’s backpack as some extra reading material, I took a look at the small, intriguing volume, and slipped it into my purse instead.
While technically published under Word on Fire’s children’s imprint, this short book – subtitled How Blessed Nicholas Steno Uncovered the Hidden History of the Earth -- will appeal to anyone with interest in how science and faith intersect.
The field study of a saintly scientist
Appropriately for someone who named his own journal Chaos!, this biography tells the story of Nicolas Steno through a format like a field study. There is the narrative of course, but also side definitions and illustrative sketches. If you didn’t know about the strata of the earth or even what the difference between silt and sediment are, the illustrations by Dillon Wheelock will help you find out.
I’m guessing that those with a science background may already be familiar with Blessed Nicolas, but if not, this passage sums up his importance in the history of science:
“Nicolas Steno’s scientific discoveries transformed our understanding of the earth underneath our feet. This humble and holy genius was the first to see the outlines of a secret history written in the rocks and in the fossils they contained.”
Why a Catholic book about geology?
The "father of geology" applied his same meticulous, analytical nature to exploring the Catholic faith, comparing Protestant claims to Catholic ones. This pursuit of truth — in both science and the faith — highlights that as human beings we are oriented to seek truth and that truth can be found both in natural and supernatural realities.
From dissecting shark heads to converting to the Catholic faith and becoming a bishop at the young age of 39, Blessed Nicholas Steno’s life is riveting. His curiosity about the world led him on a pretty incredible journey.
I do intend to pass this on to my kids — and probably my husband — and anyone who wants to spend an hour contemplating the wonders of the earth and God who created it all.
