In Bill Bryson's "A Short History of Nearly Everything," Gilbert presents the revolutionary idea that the craters on the Moon were created by impacts, a perspective that was quite unconventional at the time. This conclusion marked a significant shift in understanding lunar geology and challenged existing beliefs about celestial bodies. Gilbert's insights contributed to a growing body of evidence that linked craters to extraterrestrial collisions.

This radical notion not only advanced scientific thought but also opened new avenues for research into planetary formations. Gilbert's work played a crucial role in shaping the way scientists studied the Moon and other celestial bodies, ultimately leading to a deeper appreciation of their histories and the forces that shaped them.