4?2 BRITISH SCIENTIFIC ASSOCIATION. 



the laws of each kind of movement, as it is in itself, but also the connexion and 

 dependence of the different classes of the phenomena. 



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" The science of Geology appears, of late years, to have entered upoD anew phase 

 of its development, — one characterized by a stricter reference of its speculative 

 views to the principles of those sciences with which it is connected, and upon 

 which it ought to be based. We have an example of this in the able Memoirs of 

 Mr. Hopkins, on what may be called Dynamical Geology, including the changes 

 which have taken place in the earth's crust by the operation of internal forces. 

 Another instance of application of sound physical principles to this science is found 

 in the explanations which have been recently offered cf the phenomena of slaty 

 cleavage. A report on this interesting subject was presented to the' Association 

 by Prof. Phillips at its last meeting, and will be found in the volume just 

 published. These sounder views originate, I believe, with himself and with Mr. 

 Sharpe ; but they have been enlarged and confirmed by Mr. Sorby, Dr. Tyndall, 

 and Prof. Haughton. "We have another interesting proof of the readiness of 

 geologists of the present day to submit their views to the test of exact observation, 

 in the measurements undertaken by Mr. Horner for the purpose of approximating 

 to the age of sedimentary deposits.' Of the geological changes still in operation, 

 none is more remarkable than the formation of deltas at the mouths of great rivers, 

 and of alluvial land by their overflow. Of changes of the latter kind, perhaps the 

 most remarkable is the great alluvial deposit formed in the valley of the Nile by 

 the annual inundations of that river; and here it fortunately happens that history 

 comes to the aid of the geologist. These sedimentary deposits have accumulated 

 round the bases of monuments of known age; and we are, therefore, at once 

 furnished with a chronometric scale by which the rate of their formation may be 

 measured. The first of the series of measurements undertaken by Mr. Horner 

 was made with the co-operation of the Egyptian Government, around the obelisk 

 of Heliopolis, a monument built, according to Lepsius, 2300 years b. o. A more 

 extensive series of researches has been since undertaken in the district of 

 Memphis ; but Mr. Horner has not yet, I believe, published the results. The 

 problems now to be solved in Paleontology are clearly defined in the enunciation 

 of the problem recently proposed by the French Academy of Sciences as one of its 

 prize questions, viz. : ' to study the laws of distribution of organic beings in the 

 different sedimentary rocks, according to the order of their superposition; to 

 discuss the question of their appearance or disappearance, whether simultaneous 

 or successive ; and to determine the nature of the relations which subsist between 

 the existing organic kingdom and its anterior states.' The prize was obtained by 

 Prof. Bronn, of Heidelberg ; and his memoir, of which I have only seen au outline, 

 appears to be characterized by views at once sound and comprehensive. The 

 leading result seems to be, that the genera and species of plants and animals 

 which geology proves to have existed successively on our globe, were created in- 

 succession, in adaptation to the existing state of their abode, and not transmuted 

 or modified, as the theory of Lamarck supposes, by the physical influences which 

 surrounded them." 



Having embraced in his address a review of some of the most remarkable 

 evidences of recent progress in science, Dr. Lloyd devoted the concluding portion 

 of his speech to the administrative measures of the Association, in so far as these 

 have a direct bearing on the advancement of its highest objects. The steps already 



