60 
CONGRES GEOLOGIQUE INTERNATIONAL. Mak., 1890. 
deformations as the origin of the schists. Dr. Sterry Hunt 
declared himself a disciple of Werner, and traced everything 
to chemical action. Dr. Hicks believed the whole of the 
schists which occur in great masses to be Pre-Cambrian, and 
M. de Lapparent went even further in this direction ; and, as 
the “ Proces-verbal ” sagely observes, expounded his personal 
views of the primitive earth too summarily for the taste of his 
hearers (trop sommctirement au gre des auditeurs). Indeed his 
view of the Pre-Cambrian ages closely resembles the view of 
some worthy people as to the latest in the future. 
This was on Wednesday ; and on Friday the discussion was 
renewed with increased ardour and some of the same speakers 
came up to the mark again like giants refreshed. Dr. Sterry 
Hunt in particular, who, it will be remembered, twenty years 
ago started some curious though ingenious speculations as to 
the chemistry of the primeval earth, emphasised his views, 
and maintained that pressure by itself would not produce heat 
unless movement was checked. The schists were due to 
crystallisation under the influence of mineralizing waters, 
and chemical affinity gave birth to minerals. Dr. Hunt was 
replied to by Dr. Lapworth, who advocated the principles you 
know so well, practically the same as those of Heim (of 
Zurich) and Lehman (of Kiel). 
It is singular and interesting to find this old controversy 
of more than 100 years ago re-appearing in another form in 
London now ; and moreover with the antagonists face to 
face in the same room. However the “ killed and wounded ” 
were not injured, and keen discussion leads to truth. 
The sitting on Saturday was mainly occupied by votes of 
thanks, routine business, and a short final address from the 
President. But Professor de Lapparent brought up the 
report of a committee appointed for the purpose, which 
introduces a new feature in the constitution of the Congress. 
No contested vote was taken in London; the number of 
English geologists present could have swamped the whole of 
the foreign ones. And it is evident that this state of things 
is likely to be permanent. Native geologists will generally 
outnumber foreign, because if the natives were not strong in 
geology they would not be likely to invite the Congress. 
Accordingly it was decided that in voting, the votes of the 
native and of the foreign members should be taken separately. 
If the votes of the two agreed, the question should be con¬ 
sidered settled ; if otherwise the question should stand over 
for further consideration. Also it was recommended that 
votes should not be taken on purely theoretical questions, but 
only on matters of practical importance. 
