6 INVERTEBRATE PALAEONTOLOGY 



(III) USES 



Palaeontology occupies an almost unique position 

 among the sciences in that it has not, and can hardly be 

 expected to acquire, an " economic " side. This quality 

 of " purity " will prevent those who value science for its 

 financial yield from devoting their energies to so " profit- 

 less" a study. To others, the absence of the taint of 

 commercialism is not its least attractive feature. It is 

 not that the science does not contribute, directly and 

 indirectly, to human progress (such barren distinction 

 pertains to sophistry, not to true philosophy) ; indeed, it 

 may often possess that lowest of all attributes, a money 

 value. The local " expert " who sinks a shaft for coal 

 through graptolitic shales might save his own and 

 his supporters' money by the use of elementary 

 palaeontological knowledge. Nevertheless it must be 

 confessed that discovery of a new fossil is not likely to 

 produce the same kind of return that follows synthesis 

 of a new dye, fabrication of a new machine, or even study 

 of the life-history of insects or fungi. As a result, it is 

 peculiarly easy for shallow critics to dismiss fossil- 

 hunting as a futile hobby, suited to the requirements of 

 a schoolboy who has tired of stamps and marbles, or to 

 the ponderous dotage of a retired crank who has the 

 means and leisure to dally with the few years remaining 

 to him. Such critics would not be appeased by the 

 reply that Palaeontology has a charm that inspires its 

 devotees to perpetual and increasing service they might 

 justly argue that the same pleasant thraldom is exerted 

 by gambling and other pursuits of doubtful profit and 

 morality. But a Palaeontologist should not be an 

 apologist for his science, when the vocations of prophet 

 and evangelist are open to him. 



Firstly, Palaeontology is a science, and would have 



