and their Relation to the modern SyUein of Geology. 49 



facts are substantial and stubborn ones, I am fully prepared to 

 prove, and I shall also be most happy to give ocular demon- 

 stration of all that I have advanced respecting the geology of 

 this neighbourhood. 



In the contemplation of unanticipated or unpalatable truths, 

 the determined sceptic and uncompromising systematist should 

 ever bear in mind that there are many phenomena in the mag- 

 nificent arcana of nature which the accumulated wisdom of 

 ages, even to the end of time, shall fail to demonstrate ; that 

 " the book of nature," as Bishop Pontoppidan observes, " con- 

 tains many leaves which no mortal ever yet perused ;" and, 

 consequently, it behoves the votaries of system, who aim at 

 perfection, so to construct their scientific temples that the 

 admission of any of the unexplored truths contained in her 

 sacred pages may not sap their foundation, nor disturb the 

 general harmony of the structure. That this would be a 

 hard task is admitted ; but, in contemplating the extreme jea- 

 lousy and pertinacity sometimes evinced by the privileged few 

 who are permitted to assume the banner of science, one can 

 scarcely resist the inclination to indulge in such reflections. 

 In a complex subject like geology, the abstruse disquisitions 

 of the theoretic must ever remain subservient to the actual 

 discoveries of the practical. However at variance such dis- 

 coveries may happen to be with the previously adopted notions, 

 prevailing opinions, or vested interests of individuals or socie- 

 ties, they will ultimately, despite of every disparagement, jpre- 

 vail, and find their way into the stores of public knowledge ; 

 where unshackled liberal and inquisitive minds will appreciate 

 them according to their worth, and where, perchance, they 

 may occasionally merit to be received as new data, whereon 

 to found speculations and enquiries which may ultimately 

 tend to the farther developement of science and the extension 

 of national wealth. 



Coplow House, Leicestershire, J. Holdsworth. 



Nov, 18. 1833. 



The Geological Museum of Gideon Mantell, Esq., of Lewes, 

 of which an account is given in III. 9. to I?., VI. 75., is 

 about to be transferred to Brighton. Mr. Mantell, after 

 twenty years' extensive and successful practice in the medical 

 profession in the eastern side of Sussex, is removing to Brigh- 

 ton ; where we trust that, consistently with his professional 

 engagements there, he will make some arrangements which 

 may allow scientific enquirers to visit his museum, without any 

 sacrifice of his own time. — f+t 



Vol. VII. — No. 37. e 



