540 
‘His name will endure, embalmed in his works among the many 
precious contributions which our day has added to the illustrations 
of the history of extinct organic beings that formed the ancient 
population of our globe. 
GENTLEMEN, 
I have now arrived at the close of my official functions in this 
Chair, the duties of which have been to me, during the last two 
years, a continual source of unmingled satisfaction. I have wit- 
nessed with delight the unanimity and energy which mark the course 
_ of your proceedings, and tend still further to exalt the high position as 
a science to which Geology is now advanced. It would indeed be 
painful to me, could I feel that, in quitting the Chair; in which your 
kindness has for the second time required my services, my con- 
nexion with this Society would in any way be loosened, or my ex- 
ertions to promote its interests in the least degree abated. And in 
resigning my office to my friend and fellow-labourer in your ser- 
vice, Mr. Murchison, I know I consign it to him who yields to none 
of us in zeal for the welfare of this establishment, and whose more 
than European reputation, as the author of the ‘ Silurian System,’ will 
reflect honour upon yourselves, who have this day placed him in 
the distinguished office of President of the Geological Society of 
London. 
