432 A SHORT HISTORY OF SCIENCE 



tion of astronomy, unfold, in an equally brief period, so many novel 

 and unexpected truths, and overturn so many preconceived opinions. 

 The senses had for ages declared the earth to be at rest, until the 

 astronomer taught that it was carried through space with incon- 

 ceivable rapidity. In like manner was the surface of this planet 

 regarded as having remained unaltered since its creation, until the 

 geologist proved that it had been the theatre of reiterated change, 

 and was still the object of slow but never-ending fluctuations. The 

 discovery of other systems in the boundless regions of space was the 

 triumph of astronomy to trace the same system through various 

 transformations to behold it at successive eras adorned with dif- 

 ferent hills and valleys, lakes and seas, and peopled with new inhabi- 

 tants, was the delightful meed of geological research. By the geom- 

 eter were measured the regions of space, and the relative distances 

 of the heavenly bodies by the geologist myriads of ages were reck- 

 oned, not by arithmetical computation, but by a train of physical 

 events a succession of phenomena in the animate and inanimate 

 worlds signs which convey to our minds more definite ideas than 

 figures can do, of the immensity of time. 



Whether our investigation of the earth's history and structure 

 will eventually be productive of as great practical benefits to man- 

 kind, as a knowledge of the distant heavens, must remain for the 

 decision of posterity. It was not till astronomy had been enriched 

 by the observations of many centuries, and had made its way against 

 popular prejudices to the establishment of a sound theory, that its 

 application to the useful arts was most conspicuous. The cultiva- 

 tion of geology began at a later period ; and in every step which it 

 has hitherto made towards sound ethical principles, it has had to 

 contend against more violent prepossessions. The practical advan- 

 tages already derived from it have not been inconsiderable : but our 

 generalizations are yet imperfect, and they who follow may be expected 

 to reap the most valuable fruits of our labour. Meanwhile the charm 

 of first discovery is our own, and as we explore this magnificent field 

 of inquiry, the sentiment of a great historian of our times may con- 

 tinually be present to our minds, that ''he who calls what has van- 

 ished back again into being, enjoys a bliss like that of creating." . . . 



