On the Transmutation of Rocks in Australasia. 

 By the REV. W. B. CLARKE, M.A., E.G.S., F.R.G.S., &c. 



[Read 10th May, 1865.] 



BEFORE the particular examples which it is one object of the 

 following remarks to illustrate, are introduced to the notice of 

 the Society, it may be advisable to preface them by a brief 

 general consideration of the doctrine of Transmutation, or, as it 

 is otherwise called, the Metamorphism of rocks. 



It is not my intention to enter at any great length upon it ; 

 but the subject is of such great importance and interest to 

 geologists, that a more close and careful inquiry might well 

 engage our attention. It has been treated of by at least one 

 hundred authors of eminence, and their works, either in memoirs 

 and addresses, or in volumes of considerable size, are in them- 

 selves a library. It will be understood from this, that it would 

 be difficult to condense their remarks into any applicable compact 

 abstract. Nor have I the intention of doing so. I shall, how- 

 ever, refer to several of them in the course of this memoir, and 

 borrow from them only what is absolutely indispensable. Yet, I 

 am anxious to guard my own conclusions by such coincidences as 

 may be appropriate ; though it is no part of my intention to 

 enter deeply into any questions raised by their discussions. As I 

 speak in the presence of chemical and metallurgical analysts, 

 whatever bears upon their peculiar province will, no doubt, 

 attract sufficient attention to invite elucidation, if any difficulty 

 is presented within the range of their researches, and if my own 

 explanation of certain phenomena known to them as well as to 

 myself be not satisfactory, I shall be very grateful should they 

 take up the question where I may leave it, and treat it more to 

 the purpose. Professor Smith, Mr. Hunt and Mr. Miller of the 



