2 INVERTEBRATE PALAEONTOLOGY 



Again, Palaeontology is very closely connected with 

 Geology, especially with that section known as Strati- 

 graphy. The traces of past life are embedded in 

 stratified rocks, and cannot be interpreted successfully 

 unless their historical sequence is proved. But it would 

 be as reasonable to regard Biology as a branch of 

 Geography (because distribution of existing life is an 

 important factor in its comprehension) as to consider 

 Palaeontology a section of geological science. Indeed, 

 the study of Stratigraphy, though ultimately depending 

 on the " law of the order of superposition," is practically 

 impossible without the aid of fossil evidence ; in many 

 ways it is a kind of applied Palaeontology. 



Hence the phrase with which this chapter opened is 

 apt ; Palaeontology is a distinct Science, with materials, 

 methods and aims peculiar to it. It is largely dependent 

 on, and no less contributory to, the sister Sciences of 

 Biology and Geology. These branches of Natural 

 History have been explored more fully, partly because 

 of the longer application of study to them, and partly 

 since Palaeontology could hardly progress until their 

 principles were fairly established. But Cinderella has 

 now reached the stage of adolescence, if not of maturity, 

 and must take her place among the other members of 

 the family. To press the simile too far would be unjust 

 to the elder sisters they are far from unlovely, and in 

 no way senescent; but it may be claimed that in 

 Palaeontology there is to be found the peculiar fascina- 

 tion that surrounds the awakening possibilities of youth. 



The scope of Palaeontology is wide, and has no 

 definite limits. Theoretically its opportunities would 

 commence with the first appearance of life on the Earth. 

 Although recent research has revealed traces of organ- 

 isms in rock-systems far older than many long regarded 

 as "Azoic," it has thereby rendered painfully evident 



