260 SIR CHARLES LYELL. 



other great ones, indulged in "dreams of emi- 

 nence." Did ever man or woman achieve anything 

 worthy without these dreams ? 



He had worked earnestly upon the " Principles," 

 which showed wonderful research, study, and 

 thought. He said, " The facts which are given in 

 a few sentences require weeks of reading to 

 obtain. ... By the aid of a good amanuensis, my 

 eyes hold out well." 



The sale of the book was large and satisfactory. 

 It was, of course, opposed, from its advanced views 

 as to the age of the world, but Lyell wisely made 

 no reply. He said, " I have sworn to myself that 

 I will not go to the expense of giving time to com- 

 bat in controversy. It is an interminable work." 

 A great lesson, learned early. 



In 1831 he visited Germany. ISTow he wrote 

 home not only to his family, but to another, who 

 was hereafter to brighten and beautify his life 

 Mary Homer, the daughter of a prominent scientist. 

 To great personal beauty she added unusual men- 

 tal ability. "Wise man indeed was Charles Lyell 

 to have known, what some fail to know beforehand, 

 that intellect demands intellect for the best com- 

 panionship. 



He wrote to her : " I am sure you will work at 

 it " (the German language) " with more zeal if 

 you believe you can help me by it, as I labor with 

 greater spirit, now that I regard myself as em- 

 ployed for you as well as for myself. Not that 

 I ain at all sanguine about the pecuniary profits 



