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from the Plutonic rocks to the lavas not yet cooled on the flanks of 

 Vesuvius that Sir Charles has not diligently explored, from Scan- 

 dinavia to Sicily and the Canaries, and from Canada to the Gulf of 

 Florida ; he has sought to develop the history of coal by observa- 

 tions on the ancient carboniferous strata of both hemispheres, on the 

 superficial peats of England, and on the vegetable swamps of the 

 United States ; tracing at the same time the coasts of the former 

 glacial ocean, by the boulders that are the landmarks of its ancient 

 shores, and by the broken shells thrown up on its beach. 



In thus recognizing those attainments and powers of generalization 

 which have for the first time brought so many branches of science 

 into close connexion, and have placed Sir Charles Lyell foremost 

 in the rank of the founders of the Philosophy of Geology, the 

 Council of the Royal Society do not overlook the scientific value of 

 the narratives of his American travels, the merits of his style, and the 

 evidences of careful attention to those details of scientific writing 

 which have rendered his works so clear and attractive. To these 

 qualities he is greatly indebted for the influence he has exercised, not 

 only in attracting students to follow his steps, and in inducing 

 proficients in geology to reflect, but in advancing the whole domain 

 of natural science ; and hence he may justly claim from botanists 

 and zoologists as cordial a tribute of admiration and gratitude for 

 services rendered to their branches of science, as has ever been 

 tendered to him by his brother geologists. 



SIR CHARLES LYELL, 



Accept this Medal, the highest reward we can bestow, in token of 

 our due appreciation of a series of scientific researches, prolonged 

 through several years, and prosecuted with very great ability and 

 perseverance ; and in wishing you long life and health to enjoy your 

 well-earned honours, allow me to add that my happiness in bestow- 

 ing them is enhanced by the reflection that I am conferring pleasure 

 on one whose friendship I have now enjoyed for a period of more 

 than forty years. 



The Rumford Medal has been awarded to M. Jamin, Professor at 

 the Ecole Polytechnique of Paris, for his various experimental re- 

 searches on Light. 



