OF GEOLOGICAL DYNAMICS. 113 



29. I cannot pass from Professor Huxley's last 

 sentence without asking, Who are the occupants of 

 " our house," and who is the " passer-by " ? Is 

 geology not a branch of physical science ? Are 

 investigations experimental and mathematical, of 

 underground temperature, not to be regarded as an 

 integral part of geology ? Are suggestions from 

 astronomy and thermodynamics, when adverse to 

 a tendency in geological speculation recently be- 

 come extensively popular in England through the 

 brilliancy and eloquence of its chief promoters, 

 to be treated by geologists as an invitation to 

 meddle with their foundations, which a " wise dis- 

 crimination " declines ? For myself, I am anxious 

 to be regarded by geologists, not as a mere passer- 

 by, but as one constantly interested in their grand 

 subject, and anxious, in any way, however slight, 

 to assist them in their search for truth. 



VOL. II 



