J. C. Doornik on Fossil Organic Remains. 73 



sufficient to afford some positive data in a theory of the earth, 

 and whether we should not add to it whatever may be derived 

 from the study of fossil remains, so that they may mutually as- 

 sist each other, and become two inseparable sources from whence 

 we may derive the materials of a theory of the earth ? 



According to the views of M. Cuvier, then, a theory of the 

 earth should be the result of a knowledge which is partial ; 

 whilst it ought to be, on the contrary, the result of a knowledge 

 which is general, and which embraces every thing belonging to 

 the science of geology. The discovery of fossil remains ; the 

 observation of differences among their genera and species ; their 

 diversified appearance when in different strata, and the epochs 

 to which they may be supposed to belong, are so many mate- 

 rials for framing a theory of the earth ; but they are not the 

 only materials ; they merely co-operate with other branches of 

 knowledge to form a complete system. 



Therefore I maintain, that the origin of the theory of the 

 earth cannot be attributed exclusively to organic remains. 



The arguments which I have cited prove, if I mistake not, 

 that we already had collected many materials for the commence- 

 ment of a theory of the earth, previous to any progress in the 

 study of fossil remains, and their scientific classification, founded 

 upon comparative anatomy ; for which we are indebted to M. 

 Cuvier as the original author. 



I take it for granted that M. Cuvier, in advancing this posi- 

 tion, forgot for the moment that he was accusing the great 

 Werner of not having given sufficient attention to the study of 

 organic remains. Nevertheless, Werner had erected a geolooi- 

 cal system, which has rendered the name of this distinguished 

 philosopher immortal, although, according to the opinion of M. 

 Cuvier, he did not sufficiently occupy himself with what he 

 maintains to have been, and to be, the only foundation for a 

 theory of the earth. Every one will maintain with me, I tliink, 

 that Werner has laid the foundation of geology. His labours 

 have brought to hght materials which are, and must always re- 

 main, of the highest value in the formation of a theory of the 

 earth ; although connected with a class of knowledge different 

 from that which is derived from the study of organic remains. 



Finally, let us suppose, for a moment, that we were ignorant 



