The Geologic Time Scale in Historical Perspective
http://www.ucmp.berkeley.edu/exhibit/histgeoscale.html

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This brief discussion of the development of the Geologic Time Scale begins with Nicolas Steno in 1669 whose ideas have become known as the principles of original horizontal deposition and superposition. Next are James Hutton in 1795 and Charles Lyell in the early 1800s who supported the principle of uniformitarianism. The work of William Smith and the principle of faunal succession is also noted. The site goes on to explain how and why the scale is divided as it is.

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This resource is referenced here:

• Starting Point-Teaching Entry Level Geoscience:Earth History Approach: History of Science
• Starting Point-Teaching Entry Level Geoscience:Earth History Approach: Geologic Timescale

Subject: Geoscience:Geology:Sedimentary Geology, Geoscience:Paleontology
Resource Type: Scientific Resources:Overview/Reference Work
Grade Level: High School (9-12), Middle (6-8), Informal
Earth System Topics: Time/Earth History
Theme: Teach the Earth:Teaching Environments:Intro Geoscience, Teach the Earth:Course Topics:Sedimentary Geology, Paleontology