4 The Past and Present Aspects of Geology. 
characterized to some extent by scepticism as to the exact truth of 
at least one of the fundamental principles to which we have alluded, 
namely, the contemporaneity of strata which contain the same or 
similar fossils, and which are geographically far apart. The late 
Professor Edward Forbes was the first to cast doubt on the general 
belief, and his opinions have been recently reiterated in a more or less 
modified form by several other geclogists. Moreover there is a 
general tone of wholesome scepticism respecting other matters, 
noticeable in recent geological works; especially as regards the sim- 
plicity of several phenomena, which are thus apparently being shown 
to be much more complex than has been supposed, whilst some few 
others are being proved to be more simple. 
Sufficient illustration of this scepticism will be found in the recent 
discussions respecting the origin of granite ; the mode of formation 
of river-valleys ; the excavation of lake-basins ; the doctrine of 
‘homotaxis ;’ and the origin of species. 
Discussions on Geological questions have been perhaps at no time 
so rife as at present, if we except the period when the various 
Theories of the Earth and the rival hypotheses of Werner and Hutton 
attracted universal attention. Thus our Journal makes its appearance 
at an opportune moment, when matters of vital importance to Geo- 
logy are occupying the attention of our most able philosophers ; when 
the links which connect our science to archeology, chemistry, and 
biology are being every day strengthened ; and especially when the 
border-land (hitherto considered a desert) between the two sciences 
of ancient history—geology and archeology—is being traversed more 
and more frequently by the geologist and the antiquary, and is being 
cultivated and cleared by them, each on his own side, until finally 
there will be none but a conventional line of separation between the 
two great chapters in the history of the world and its inhabitants. 
This Journal being exclusively, though broadly, Geological, our 
readers may reasonably expect that in its pages will be found good and 
reliable information upon most current topics relating to the Science, 
together with original memoirs, such as it contains in this its first 
number. Guided by the principles already alluded to in distinguish- 
ing loose speculations from true theory, we shall endeavour to select 
such memoirs as contain the results of enquiries into geological 
truths, facts, or theories ; and such as exemplify the processes by 
which such enquiries have been carried out. In this manner, by 
taking a broad and firm grasp of all Geology, and excluding cos- 
mogony, we hope to make our Journal perform the function we have 
described ; and by getting the best work from the best men, we 
expect to ensure for it that measure of success which, as the only 
public Journal of Geology in Great Britain, it ought to obtain. 
Finally, by favouring no one school or theory more than another, 
criticizing fearlessly and uncompromisingly where it appears neces- 
sary, though laudatory where it is desirable, we hope to establish for 
the GEoLoaicaL MaGazineE that independent character which will 
alone cause it to be regarded as an impartial tribunal, whose verdict 
will command respect by reason of its justice. 
