354 THE POPULAR SCIENCE MONTHLY 



ing the tone of scientific literature, in leading to replacement of sub- 

 jective by objective modes of investigation. 



Darwin's work as geologist practically ended with these publications 

 of the Beagle results. It is true that in later years he made some con- 

 tributions possessing much interest, but they were merely incidental to 

 studies in other directions ; the greater part of his long life was devoted 

 to biological problems. At the same time, his whole mode of thinking 

 and of observing was that of the geologist, so that if one were treating 

 of his later years the topic might well be the influence of geology upon 

 Darwin. In his later works, one finds constantly recurring considera- 

 tion of geological conditions as potent factors in biological change, while 

 on the other hand he emphasized the influence of life as a factor in 

 bringing about geological changes. To him nature was always one; 

 and he, in great measure, was responsible for the broadness of view 

 characterizing the geologists who were his contemporaries as well as for 

 the remarkable change in attitude of the community toward scientific 

 discussion. Nowadays, when workers are so many and knowledge is so 

 increased, men have been forced into narrow lanes of investigation; 

 students, perplexed by phenomena within their limited vision, too often 

 think little and know less of what neighbors are doing. And this must 

 continue until some important problems have been solved, at least in 

 part, and some positive results have been obtained in many directions. 

 Then another Darwin will come, will gather loose strands floating in the 

 wind and will weave from them a new system, once more binding nature 

 studies into one and providing a safe platform, whence men may start 

 anew to fathom the unknown by means of the known. 



