AMERICAN GEOLOGY DECADE OF 1830-1839. 301 



in the minds of his collaborators. Thus,, in referring to the work just 

 mentioned, he wrote: 



A text-book is too small a name for these days of puffing arrogance. But I propose 

 to present all my supposed heresies to the geological fraternity in this form and under 

 this title. And I beg the favor of the most rigorous criticism upon this book, small 

 as it is. To stimulate men of science to the work of examination and of criticism, I 

 will state that I intend to publish considerable in scientific journals, also a full 

 system upon this plan. As I have had more than 7,000 pupils already (rather 

 auditors) , and shall probably have more still, it will be well for them " to be on the 

 alert" if I am propagating errors. I am not in sport; I have, during the last fifteen 

 years, traveled over 17,000 miles for the express purpose of collecting geological 

 materials, the results of which are comprised in this little octavo pamphlet and 

 exhibited in the accompanying map and wood cuts. 



I may be accused of fickleness, on account of the changes which appear in every 

 successive book I publish. I confess this is the ninth time 1 have published a geo- 

 logical nomenclature, and that I made changes in each of more or less importance. 

 But I have always consulted my scientific friends, and every change was founded on 

 new discoveries in "matters of fact." 



And further on: 



Students for whom this text-book is intended may feel no interest in anything 

 personal relating to myself. But I will throw this paragraph in their way. 1 have 

 been accused of arrogance for stating facts relating to American geology without 

 formally bowing to European authorities. * * * I confess that this is a kind of 

 "ipse dixit " text-book. It is so, because the plan does not admit of demonstration. 

 In a future publication I intend to cite authorities from nature to illustrate my 

 views. But I am prepared to abandon any of them, as I have frequently done here- 

 tofore, in cases of numerous errors, to which I am still subject. 



Geology is a progressive science, and he who has any respect for his future repu- 

 tation should be exceedingly cautious about committing himself on matters of fact 

 or speculation. I confess that I have most egregiously violated this rule, but there 

 are peculiar circumstances in my case, arising from my being "a hireling drudge" 

 to the most munificent patron of this science (Stephen Van Rensselaer), which will 

 palliate, at least, if not justify. 



I despise arrogance; but I am within sixteen years of the "three score and ten," 

 when the mind of man is averaged beyond the period of vigorous effort. About two 

 score of these years have been devoted to natural science. I offer this as an apology 

 for some dogmas forbidden to youth." 



In July of 1831 there appeared the first number of G. W. Feather- 

 stonhaugh's Monthly American Journal of Geology and Natural His- 

 tory. This proved a short-lived but vigorously conducted journal in 

 .... . which essays on geoiogT, as understood by the editor, 



Monthly American • i i i • . 



Journal of Geology, occupied a leading part in each number. Troubles, 

 financial and otherwise, beset the venture, and amongst 

 the "otherwise" may be mentioned a lack of appreciation and support 

 where he apparently had a right to expect both. "So that a work 

 which has hitherto been stamped with general approbation, * * * 



"One can almost imagine him saying with Emerson "What is well done I feel as 

 if I did, what is ill done I reck not of," 



