88 EaioJi's Geology. 



"I beg the favour of the most rigorous criticism upon this book, 

 small as it is." — Preface. 



"Should these observations ever fall under his notice, it may be 

 well that he should remember this invitation." — Review. 



"If the earth w^as washed and the rocks left clean, they (ge- 

 ologists) would not disagree in regard to rocks." — Preface. 



"For ourselves, we can only say, that were the earth washed 

 as clean as a penny, we should be very much tempted to take 

 up our hammer and chisel, and try what we could find within its 

 rocks : for, although Mr. Eaton may not know it, it is a funda- 

 mental principle of the science, to identify rocks by their organic 

 remains, rather than by their mineral characters, which are very 

 fallible guides." — Review. 



" To stimulate men of science to the work of examination, and 

 of criticism, I will state, that I intend to publish considerable in 

 scientific journals ; also, a full system upon this plan." — Preface. 



" We love variety, and a full system, after the empty one be- 

 fore us, will be an agreeable change." — Review. 



Mr. Eaton has a habit of making confessions, which are not 

 to his credit, and of which we do not see the motive. He says, 

 " I may be accused of fickleness on account of the changes which 

 appear in every successive book I publish; I confess, this is the 

 ninth time I have published a geological nomenclature, and that 

 I made changes in each, of more or less importance." Again, 

 " the various deposits of detritus had not been thoroughly studied 

 by any American, when I published my last nomenclature. I 

 believe I have made a few changes in that department, which 

 will finally obtain." " On this head, we must venture to differ 

 from him in opinion. We greatly doubt whether any of his 

 opinions will obtain." — Review. 



" The following passage is remarkable for its novel orthography, 

 and also for its tone in regard to one of the most learned and 

 philosophic men of the age, to whose labours Geology has been 

 indebted in the highest degree." We allude to Henry de la 

 Beche. 



"With all defference to the high character of La Bache, as an 

 experienced teacher, I may say, that his numerous sub-divisions, 

 if adopted, will ruin the scie^ice." 



" We would suggest to Mr. Eaton, that Mr. de la Beche's sub- 

 divisions, are the result of a careful examination of all the geo- 



