THE GEOLOGIST. 



Geology considered with reference to its TJtility and Practical 

 Epfects, by the Rev. S. B. Brodie, M,A. ; F.G.S, ; Vice-President of 

 the Warwickshire Naturalists' Field Club. 



Fifty years ago Geology was in its infancy; there were but few 

 who cultivated it as a Science. Museums were scarce and col- 

 lections were only to be found here and there. If an unfortunate 

 loTer of nature was seen hammering in a stone quarry, he was 

 generally supposed to be slightly demented. So rapid, however, has 

 been the advance in general knowledge since that time, that the 

 Geologist in these days pursues his researches unmolested ; the fre- 

 quent visits to his favourite haunts cease to excite astonishment; 

 indeed are rather regarded with favour and respect. It may now be 

 safely affirmed, that most towns of any note have a well arranged 

 Museum and there are usually a few scientific people in the 

 neighbourhood. Colleges and schools have lectures on natural 

 science ; and the universities are at last fully alive to the increasing 

 demand for scientific knowledge, which may be turned to some 

 practical accoimt. The establishment of the Geological Survey, 

 with its staff" of able officers and an admii'able Museum of Practical 

 Geology ; and the spread of Field Clubs of natural history, ia various 

 counties, are undeniably important steps in the pursuit of science 

 and foim a bright era in its history. The student, therefore, has 

 not the insuperable difficulties and drawbacks to contend with, in the 

 present day, which he had to undergo formerly. It is certainly a step 

 in the right direction, and a matter for congi'atulatioii, that Geology 

 is more favourably regarded than it used to be, and we hoj^e to see the 

 day when it may be made a branch of education generally through- 

 out the country. Still it is not to be denied that there are numbers 

 of well meanmg and estimable people, who not only undeiTate its 

 utility and importance, but who reject most of its well-established 

 facts, looking upon many of them as dangerous and -visionaiy. 

 This is not simply confined to the religious question respecting the 

 original creation of the world and the periods of time of greater 

 or less extent which all Geologists believe it to have occupied. But 

 we have often heard asked " Of what use is Geology, and what are 



