250 
THE GEOLOGIST. 
loss to discover. I remember that exactly the same kind of argument was used by 
Sir C. Lyell (" Principles," 3rd edition), to produce just an opposite result, namely, 
to prove the theory that all t%e great classes of organic life were created at once ; 
and not successively, as inferred from geology. How would Mr. Hutton reconcile 
these opposite conclusions drawn fi-om the same facts ? Or does he expect his 
theory to be better received than Sir Charles' ? In conclusion I assert that, 
while other considerations may be either for or against this theory, geology alone 
must decide it. By the supposed slowness of the operations of the assumed law 
it is thrown entirely beyond the scope of observation, and unless actual facts — 
facts conclusive and undeniable — can be cited out of the stony records, it miist 
still be considered the mere speculation of a theorist. — Yours, &c., Thos. Grindley, 
Glossop. 
Note by the Editoh.— We are sorry that our correspondent should express regret at the 
appearance of Lieut. Button's ai-ticle on the Dar^viniaIl Theoiy in the " Geologist." Oiu- 
readers will doubtless bear in mind what our coiTespondent has forgotten in this remark, that 
whenever an article -bears the name of its author, we are not responsible either for its facts or 
its arguments. Our pages are ahke open to ilr. Grindlev or Lieut. Hutton — to one cor- 
respondent equally with anocher ; and on this point we have always justly prided ourselves 
on our fair dealing ; we ha^e printed the labouring man's communication "beside tliat of the 
most talented geologist ; we have printed even communications against ourselves. Darwin's 
theory undoubtedly has a most important bearing on geology, and if not whoUy accepted, 
stiU contains views which must exert a powerful influence on all future investigations. 
Granting it to be an error, we woidd still wish to see it powerfully treated and defended by 
the ablest hands ; for the more powerful the defence of an en-or, the' stronger and mightier tlie 
intellect that wields the weapons of its defence, so much the more brilhant wiU be the victory 
of Truth in. the end. We can not have discussions without the defence of error, and without 
discussions there would be no progress. 
In concluding this note, the Editor wishes distinctly to say that he does not consider him- 
self as in any way advocating doctrines contained in any articles excepting in those which 
ai'e written by himself. On the other hand, he considers the magazuie to be, and always to 
have been, open to the fair expression of any opinion deserving of attention. Moreover, he 
trusts that friendly discussion and coiTespondence will be more developed in this magazine 
than even it has hitherto been. 
FOREIGN CORRESPONDENCE. 
Specimens of minerals have been sent from Chili by M. Domejho, for 
the School of Mines in Paris. 1. Black copper-ore, fibrous, (a 
silico-aluminate), brought from the mines of Taltat, in the desert of 
Atacama. 2. Arseniate of copper from the Gerro of las Yeguas, in 
the district of Rancagua. 3. Arseniate of copper, with sub-oxide 
from the same locality. 4. Two specimens, arseniate of silver, with 
antimony from Chauarcillo (one washed in a tube, the other in its 
original state). 5. Arsenical silver-ore from the mines of Bandurrias. 
6, Bi-arseniate of nickel, mixed with arsenical acid, and sub-arseniate 
of nickel, brought from the mines of San Pedro, situated a few 
leagues from the port of San Framenco, in the desert of Atacama. 
7. Arseniate of nickel, a little hydrated, mixed with a silico aluminate 
of nickel from the same locality as the proceeding one. 8. Fragment 
of an aeorolite which fell in 1857, in the environs of Hevedia at Costa- 
Rica. 
