340 PALAEONTOLOGY. 



peopled with new inhabitants, was the delightful meed of geologicax 

 research. 



" By the geometer were measured the regions of space, and the rela- 

 tive distances of the heavenly bodies ; — by the geologist myriads of ages 

 were reckoned, not by arithmetical computation, but by a train of 

 physical events — a succession of phenomena in the animate and inani- 

 mate worlds — signs which convey to our minds more definite ideas than 

 figures can do of the immensity of time. 



" "Whether our investigation of the earth's history, structure, and suc- 

 cessive inhabitants will eventually be productive of as great practical 

 benefits to mankind as a knowledge of the distant heavens, must remain 

 for the decision of posterity. It was not till Astronomy had been 

 enriched by the observations of many centuries, and had made its way 

 against popular prejudices to the establishment of a sound theory, that 

 its application to the useful arts was most conspicuous. The cultiva- 

 tion of Geology began at a later period ; and in every step which it has 

 hitherto made towards sound theoretical principles, it has had to con- 

 tend against the most violent prepossessions. The practical advantages 

 already derived from it have not been inconsiderable : but our gene- 

 ralizations are yet imperfect, and they who come after us may be ex- 

 pected to reap the most valuable fruits of our labour. Meanwhile, the 

 charm of first discovery is our own ; and, as we explore this magnifi- 

 cent field of inquiry, the sentiment of a great historian of our 

 times may continually be present to our minds, that ' he who calls 

 what has vanished back again into being, enjoys a bliss like that of 

 creating 1 .'" 



[ x Lyell, ' Principles of Geology.'] 



