vii] OF EVOLUTION 71 



geological science at that day, and in 1834, after the 

 completion of the Principles, when a great discussion 

 took place in the Geological Society on the subject 

 of the effects ascribed by him to existing causes, 

 Lyell says that 'Buckland, De la Beche, Sedgwick, 

 Whewell, and some others treated them with as 

 much ridicule as was consistent with politeness in 

 my presence 63 .' 



It is interesting to be able to infer from LyelPs 

 accounts of these days, that the sagacious De la 

 Beche was beginning to weaken in his opposition to 

 evolutionary views, and that Fitton and John Phillips 

 were inclined to support him, but neither of them 

 was ready to come forward boldly as the champions 

 of unpopular opinions. John Herschel, who sym- 

 pathised with Lyell in all his opinions, was absent 

 at the Cape, Scrope was absorbed in the stormy 

 politics of that day, and it was not till Darwin 

 returned from his South American voyage in 1838, 

 that Lyell found any staunch supporter in the fre- 

 quent lively debates at the Geological Society. 



It is pleasing, however, to relate that this strong 

 opposition to his theoretical teachings, did not lessen 

 the esteem, or interfere with the friendship, felt for 

 Lyell by his contemporaries. During all this time 

 he held the office of Foreign Secretary to the Society, 

 and in 1835 was elected President, retaining the office 

 for two years. 



