320 ON THE DEPOSITS CALLED TERTIARY 



it does: and if it is not yet known, it will probably 

 be found on due research ; as this inference a priori 

 will form the guide to the geologist, leaving him 

 nothing to do but to observe. This is the true use 

 of a work of this nature: it is the guide and the 

 solution in one; for, if the views be just, it is Science; 

 and all that follow, are artists only. 



But there are no facts to this extent; for, excepting 

 some very scanty records, well known, the confused and 

 undiscriminating descriptions of geologists, numerous 

 as they are, teach nothing on which we can rely. The 

 fossil shell has had more charms than the history of 

 the earth ; and all that demanded and deserved observa- 

 tion has been superseded by petty details; easy and 

 worthless, yet not without their poor fame, and thus, 

 tempting, under the neglect of geology and the abuse 

 of that term. 



Yet we are not without evidence of some kind ; 

 and it is by reasoning on this principle, and this 

 alone, that we can explain the two examples which 

 have been best studied. If it does not therefore prove 

 such a supposed case as I have stated, it does what 

 is far more valuable; since it explains those exam- 

 ples which had never before been understood, and 

 respecting which there has been as much wonder 

 and mystery on the one hand, as there have been 

 fanciful or false explanations on the other. 



I allude to the deposits of Paris and of the Isle of 

 Wight more particularly. The general history and 

 nature of each is well known to all geologists ; but 

 the facts that concern us, here, are soon stated. The 

 basin of Paris is elevated high above the present 

 ocean, and it is insulated. I need here take no notice 

 of its alternations; the possible causes have been al- 

 ready stated; and I but agree with many geologists of 



