88 



MODEEN PEOGEESS OF GEOLOGY. 



[Ch. IV. 



names 



living analogues, was an important step towards familiarisin 



lr 



mi 



g 



in distant eras. 



ment 



in a living language. 



memorials o 

 growing im] 

 emains may 



characteristic feature of the progress of the science during 

 the present century. This branch of knowledge has already 

 become an instrument of great utility in geological classifi- 

 cation, and is continuing daily to unfold new data for grand 

 and enlarged views respecting the former changes of the 

 earth. 



When we compare the result of observations in the last 

 eighty years with those of the three preceding centuries, we 

 cannot but look forward with the most sanguine expectations 

 to the degree of excellence to which geology may be carried, 

 even by the labours of the present generation. Never, perhaps, 



astronomy 



many 



overturn 



The 



for ages declared the earth to be at rest, until the astronomer 

 taught that it was carried through space with inconceivable 

 rapidity. In like manner was the surface of this planet 



regarded as having remained unaltered since its creation, 

 until the geologist proved that it had been the theatre of 

 reiterated change, and was still the subject of slow but never- 



ending fluctuations. 



The discovery of other systems in the 

 boundless regions of space was the triumph of astronomy; to 

 trace the same system through various transformations— to 

 behold it at successive eras adorned with different hills and 

 valleys, lakes and seas, and peopled with new inhabitants, was 



delightful meed 

 measured the regions of space 



By the geometer 



of the heavenly bodies ; 



myriads 



train of physical events 



com 



tienomena 



the 



inanimate 



signs which convey to our 



C* 



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stn 



ber 



ast 

 cen 



to 



to 

 gee 



has 

 has 



Tb 

 bee 



fee 

 the 

 of 



nif 



of 



i 





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enj 





