146 
in the minds of some persons, extremely well disposed, but 
perhaps, of rather timid dispositions, who have thought that 
the study of Geology might lead, or, at all events, have a 
tendency to lead to scepticism and infidelity. Now, I do not 
think there is any subject, a slight knowledge of which would 
have so great a tendency towards these evils as Geology; but 
I have not the slightest doubt but that a close attention to the 
science will satisfy the mind of the most timid that there is 
no danger to be apprehended from the pursuit of it. A par- 
tial attention to the subject has shaken, and may hereafter 
shake, the timid mind, but a thorouo^h investigation and 
examination of the subject will, I have no doubt, reconcile 
every one to the study, and prove that no injury is likely to 
accrue to religion. It is partly on this account that I have 
taken some share in the formation of the " West-Riding 
Geological and Polytechnic Society." Having had the 
pleasure and satisfaction of being present at Cambridge, 
at a Meeting of the British Association, when I heard 
a most eloquent address from Professor Phillips, in which 
he stated that he thought it was better to have a bad 
theory than no theory at all, I confess the brilliant 
eloquence of that wonderful man, of that learned and 
philosophic mind, led me away, and induced me to think 
that he was right in that opinion. But, however presump- 
tuous it may appear in an humble individual like myself to 
express an opinion contrary to that of so eminent a philoso- 
pher, I do venture to say that I think he is wrong. I think 
the progress hitherto made in the science of Geology — I 
mean the collection of facts, — is not sufficient to enable any 
man, however clever or ingenious, to form such a theory 
as would not be attended with insuperable objection. I 
would earnestly recommend to all the students in Geology, 
the collection of facts rather than to form theories, and one 
great object of this Society is to do that, and to ascertain 
