CU PROCEEDINGS OE THE GEOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 



formation of the earth may not haye commenced with a central 

 nucleus consisting of an aqueous paste, gradually increasing in size 

 as matter was deposited around it from the circumambient fluids 

 and gases which filled the solar space before solid matter was aggre- 

 gated round those spots which now form the planets in our solar 

 system. It is a bold, perhaps even a rash thought, to go back to a 

 period before the earth was formed ; and yet such a period must have 

 existed, or the earth would be eternal, which we have no right to 

 assume. I will also venture to suggest one other question. 



Assuming the possibility of an aqueous origin, and eliminating the 

 theory of central heat, can we not account for all the volcanic and 

 igneous phenomena which we find on the surface of the earth by 

 chemical action taking place at a comparatively moderate distance 

 below the surface ? We know that heat and combustion can be thus 

 produced, and we know that all the elements which are necessary 

 for its production must have been contained within the earth's 

 sphere. 



But I will say no more on a qi^estion which requires so much 

 close examin?,tion and cautious inves ijation. I recommend it to 

 your consideration, in the hope that at no distant period some one 

 will ventu :e to grapple with it in earnest, and either point out the 

 probability of what I have suggested, or prove its impossibility. 



In conclusion, allow me to trespass on your time for a few mo- 

 ments longer, for the purpose of expressing my thanks to every 

 Pellow of the Society, and particularly to the Members of the Council, 

 for the kind support and assistance which, during the time I have 

 occupied the chair, I have invariably met with at their hands. I am 

 well aware of my many shortcomings, but, having ever taken a lively 

 interest in the prosperity of the Society, I trust that this has not 

 sufi'ered during my Presidency. I look with confidence to the rapid 

 increase of our Members, in the hope that that is the best proof 

 that your interests have not suffered at my hands. I congratulate 

 you on the choice of my successor, which you have this day made, 

 feeling confident that, with such a President as you have to-c'ay 

 elected, the Society wiU continue to flourish as it has hitterto done, 

 to add fresh laurels to its brow, and that it will continue to hold 

 that high estimation in the opinion of men of science in every 

 country which it can confidently boast of having hitherto invariably 

 enjoyed. 



