Geology of Hong Kong

The first publication dedicated entirely to the local geography of Hong Kong

This quaint little volume was compiled by S.G. (Sydney George) Davis and published in Hong Kong by the Government Printer in 1952. Its 210+ pages offer detailed insight into the geologic history, archaeology, paleontology, and stratigraphy of the territory, then under British control.

Black and white photographs show that fieldwork remained a gentleman’s occupation, with most wearing thick woolen suits. Pictures of artifacts, fossils, and rock formations accompany sectional diagrams, mine sample results, and various observations. Three folding maps in the back show the transportation network, geologic strata, and primary minerals.

Though substantial British surveys on Hong Kong began as early as 1923, deaths in the research team and the Japanese occupation during World War II long delayed publication. Davis’ work, issued two years prior to his appointment as chair of the new Geology Department at the University of Hong Kong, represents “the first publication dedicated entirely to local geology” and “the first published historical review of geological work done in Hong Kong.” (Decaudin).

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