Eileen Mary Lind Hendriks was a pioneering English geologist best known for her extensive research on the geological formations of Devon and Cornwall. Though she struggled to secure formal employment within major geological institutions, Hendriks made significant contributions to the understanding of the region's geological history, leaving behind a lasting legacy in the geological community.
Early Life and Education
Born on 3 November 1887 in Birmingham, Warwickshire, Hendriks was the only child of Henry, an estate agent, and Helena Hendriks. She received private schooling and developed a keen interest in geology after attending public lectures by Charles Lapworth in Birmingham. This early exposure shaped her academic path, leading her to pursue geology at Aberystwyth University, where she earned her BSc in 1919. She continued her studies, earning a PhD from Imperial College London in 1932.
Career and Research
In 1926, Hendriks worked briefly with the Geological Survey of Great Britain, assisting in the organisation of its photographic archives. Her work in this area culminated in the publication of Classified Geological Photographs in 1928. Despite this achievement, Hendriks struggled to secure permanent positions within the Survey or other academic institutions, with limited career opportunities in the field. A letter from 1941 highlights her frustration with the lack of job openings in her area of expertise.
Nonetheless, Hendriks continued her fieldwork, primarily in Devon and Cornwall, where she made several important discoveries, including the identification of Devonian fossil wood in sedimentary rocks previously thought to be devoid of fossils. Her research also uncovered structural complexities, such as thrusting that introduced Ordovician and Silurian rocks into the geological sequence of the region. These discoveries reshaped the geological understanding of the area.
Recognition and Awards
Although Hendriks worked largely outside of academic institutions, her contributions did not go unrecognized. She was elected a Fellow of the Geological Society in 1945, a testament to her standing in the field. In 1958, she was awarded the Lyell Fund, an honor given by the Geological Society to recognize outstanding geological research. Seven years later, she received the R.H. Worth Prize for her distinguished contributions to the field, particularly as an amateur geologist.
Hendriks became a respected figure among young geologists, especially after 1955, when an influx of researchers began to study the geology of the South West. Living alone in remote cottages in Cornwall with her Alsatian dogs, she earned the title of the "doyenne of Cornish geology" due to her deep knowledge and influence on the next generation of geologists.
Legacy and Archive
Although Hendriks's work was largely solitary, her contributions left a lasting mark on geological research in Cornwall. She amassed a vast collection of geological notes, diagrams, personal correspondence, and photographs, much of which is now housed at the British Geological Survey. These materials offer valuable insights into her research methods and her dedication to advancing geological knowledge, despite the challenges she faced throughout her career.
Hendriks's legacy as a meticulous and independent geologist remains significant, particularly in the field of Cornish geology. Her discoveries and insights led to the revision of the Geological Survey's maps and publications, confirming her place as a key figure in the history of geological research in the region.