When was the first weathering and erosion theory formed?

Ideas about weathering and erosion became part of modern geology in the late 18th century, especially through James Hutton’s studies in Scotland. He recognized that rain, rivers, and oceans gradually break down rocks and reshape landscapes. This gradual process explained how mountains could be worn away and new rocks formed over immense spans of time. Hutton’s work helped establish the principle of uniformitarianism.