Influence of the “ Principles of Geology” 381 
acknowledge this sufficiently.” Darwin’s own most favourite book, 
the Narrative of the Voyage, was dedicated to Lyell in glowing 
terms; and in the Origin of Species he wrote of “Lyell’s grand work 
on the Principles of Geology, which the future historian will recognise 
as having produced a revolution in Natural Science.” “What glorious 
good that work has done” he fervently exclaims on another occasion”. 
To the very end of his life, as all who were in the habit of talking 
with Darwin can testify, this sense of his indebtedness to Lyell 
remained with him. In his Autobiography, written in 1876, the 
year after Lyell’s death, he spoke in the warmest terms of the value 
to him of the Principles while on the voyage and of the aid afforded 
to him by Lyell on his return to England®. But the year before his 
own death, Darwin felt constrained to return to the subject and to 
place on record a final appreciation—one as honourable to the writer 
as it is to his lost friend: 
“T saw more of Lyell than of any other man, both before and 
after my marriage. His mind was characterised, as it appeared to 
me, by clearness, caution, sound judgment, and a good deal of 
originality. When I made any remark to him on Geology, he never 
rested until he saw the whole case clearly, and often made me see it 
more clearly than I had done before. He would advance all possible 
objections to my suggestion, and even after these were exhausted 
would remain long dubious. A second characteristic was his hearty 
sympathy with the work of other scientific men....His delight in science 
was ardent, and he felt the keenest interest in the future progress of 
mankind. He was very kind-hearted....His candour was highly remark- 
able. He exhibited this by becoming a convert to the Descent theory, 
though he had gained much fame by opposing Lamarck’s views, and 
this after he had grown old.” 
“The science of Geology is enormously indebted to Lyell—more 
so, as I believe, than to any other man who ever lived'.” 
Those who knew Lyell intimately will recognise the truth of the 
portrait drawn by his dearest friend, and I believe that posterity 
will endorse Darwin’s deliberate verdict concerning the value of his 
labours. 
It was my own good fortune, to be brought into close contact 
with these two great men during the later years of their life, 
and I may perhaps be permitted to put on record the impressions 
made upon me during friendly intercourse with both. 
In some respects, there was an extraordinary resemblance in 
their modes and habits of thought, between Lyell and Darwin; and 
this likeness was also seen in their modesty, their deference to the 
1M. L. 1. p. 117. 2 L. L.1. p. 342. 
32. L. 1. p. 62. 4 L. L. 1. pp. 71—2 (the italics are mine). 
