COU^X’IL FOR 1844 . 
1.3 
Considered as objects of scientific investigation, Fossil 5 
^lioiild always be regarded in two points of view : first, in 
relation to tlie particular rocks in 'wliicli they occur ; secondly, 
in their structural relations to one another, and to the entire 
range of species throughout the animal kingdom. 
Undoubtedly the identification of strata through the evi¬ 
dence of their included fossils, should be the first considera¬ 
tion in a Museum contemplating the objects embraced by the 
Yorkshire Philosophical Society. But as tlie critical investi¬ 
gation of organic remains by which these identifications are 
arrived at, is a purely 'zoological process, it is not enough to 
display fossils only in a stratigrapJiical arrangement. I>Iore- 
over, the unequal duration of certain forms in the ancient 
Fauna of the Globe, or the marked changes which certain 
others present when continued through several geological pe¬ 
riods, and which together constitute one of the most curious 
phenomena that the science of Geology has made knowm, can 
only be advantageously studied when the several species of a 
genus are exhibited together; it being of course understood 
that each species is accompanied by am indication of the for¬ 
mation in which it occurs. The dmplicate invertebrad fossils 
contained in the British Museum are now beino; arranp*ed bv 
the side of the most nearly allied forms in the collection of 
living species. This important step was accomplished by a 
representation to the Trustees in 18 d 0 , from the Members of 
the British Association. Henceforth, therefore, in our national 
collection, the student in Zoology will find the past and 
existing Fauna presented to his notice as one common object 
of contemplation, and the unphilosophical distinction which 
to a great extent has made them separate branches of scien¬ 
tific enquiry, will gradually be abandoned. 
One source from which the Council anticipate a large aug¬ 
mentation to the geological collection, is in the exchange of 
duplicate fossils with other museums and private collections. 
The position of York on the Bed iSIarl, and the consequent bar¬ 
renness of the immediate neighbourhood, has hitherto rendered 
