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C.—GEOLOGY. 71 
climate should lift the mind above the mere material into the realm of the 
philosophical and the spiritual. 
If the continuity of the observed range of temperature is due to a 
single factor—solar energy—the endurance of that energy is a marvellous 
thing. If the observed climatic continuity is a composite result due to 
various sources of energy, it is still more marvellous. Both geologists 
and physicists incline to the latter point of view, but as yet they have 
been unable to fathom the mysteries of the sources of energy. ‘ Geologic 
time brings to light, consequently, the evidence of unknown sources of 
energy, cosmic forces which must constitute a fundamental factor in any 
satisfactory hypothesis of stellar evolution’ (Barrell), 
Historical Geology. 
History is the essential of geology, and its cultural value is not less 
because the record is written in enduring stone rather than on fading 
parchment. Further, there is a geological background to most human 
pictures and our activities are largely controlled by the geological setting. 
While I would not regard the study of all geological phenomena as par- 
ticularly cultural, I would so consider those in which the historical element 
is emphasised. I can, perhaps, better express my meaning by citing one 
or two examples. 
To the engineer, Niagara Falls is a great natural source of energy ; 
the volume of water and the fall thereof can be measured and the 
potentialities in horse-power can be calculated. Every citizen of 
Toronto knows that he lights his home, cooks his food, and operates his 
factory by reason of the existence of Niagara Falls. How many know that 
this result is achieved because some hundreds of millions of years ago a 
layer of hard dolomite was deposited over soft shale in the old Silurian 
sea ? 
The history of aboriginal man has been deciphered chiefly by means 
of the flint instruments found in Western Europe. The successive 
invasions of near-man and of man were doubtless influenced by the 
occurrence of flints in this region. Is it not cultural to reflect that the 
_ clear Upper Cretaceous sea with its Foraminifera to make chalk, and its 
sponges to supply silica for flints, had so profound an influence on the 
development of the human race ? 
The Study of Geology. 
Tt might be well to inquire into the effect that the study of geology 
produces in the minds of its devotees. Doubtless, this effect so greatly 
depends on the attitude of the student that an individual may well 
hesitate to speak for the group. I have endeavoured to show, however, 
that geology contains much of the inspirational and contemplative— 
features that go far to relieve its vast array of facts. 
The subject has become so comprehensive and so complex that no 
one man can be conversant with all its phases; in consequence, it is 
sometimes stated that there are no longer any geologists, but only 
specialists in various branches. I feel that the adoption of this point of 
_ view would be most unfortunate, as the general geologist alone is able to 
co-ordinate the work of the specialists, to harmonise their findings, and to 
deduce the great lessons of the science. In his hands, to a very large 
extent, lies the cultural aspect of the subject. 
