to the classification of the tertiary forma- | first glance as the minutia of the science, tions, which speedily became a part of the that Lyell was able to arrive at that comreceived creed of all geologists; while prehensive classification of the tertiary they were gradually extended to the ear-formations, with which his name will ever lier strata, and formed the necessary be inseparably connected. foundation for the theories of Darwin, The germ of his theory was already in and the modern systems of evolution. his mind before he started on his southern It is interesting to trace in his letters at tour. He writes to his sister from Naples this period the gradual development of before his visit to Sicily: "My wish was Lyell's views upon this subject, from the to find this peninsula get younger and first dawning of his theory to its ultimate younger as I travelled towards the active establishment in his own mind, in the volcanoes, and it has hitherto been all that definite form in which it appeared in the I could desire, and I have little fear of 'Principles." The notion of the entire bringing a great part of Trinacria into our distinctness of the animal remains in dif- own times, as it were, in regard to origin." ferent geological formations even in His wish was amply fulfilled; and, before strata of conformable position and no returning to England, he could boast of great thickness, as in the case of the having "got full proof that half Sicily was Paris basin sanctioned as it was by the formed since the Mediterranean was inhigh authority of Cuvier, had assumed so habited by present species of testacea,' firm a hold upon the minds of all geol- and that the island of Ischia and the ogists, that it required no little courage Monte Mario near Rome were of equally on the part of a young man like Charles recent date mere things of yesterday in Lyell to take up a directly opposite view, the eyes of the geologist! Very astoundand maintain that the transition was a ing were these results in the eyes of the gradual one, and that the successive as- Italian geologists, who belonged altosemblages of fossils in different tertiary gether to the old school. One of them, strata, from those of the Paris basin to to whom Lyell communicated some of his those of Sicily, presented a continually facts before recrossing the Alps, was fain increasing approximation to the fauna of to admit: "I begin to think the day may the existing seas. come when the retiring of the ocean will be doubted and disputed by many." At the present day we believe there are many young geologists who have forgot ten that such a theory was ever entertained.

Fortunately for him, the ground had been in some measure cleared before him by the labors of local Italian savans — for the most part very ignorant of geology, but good conchologists and diligent collectors of fossil shells. By this means they had prepared considerable materials for the use of the scientific observer, and in some instances even veteran collectors were stimulated to fresh zeal by the glimpses afforded them by their foreign visitor of his wider generalizations. Professor Guidotti at Parma told him he should collect the next winter with quite new eyes after his cramming. On the other hand, the examination of these extensive collections led Lyell himself to a more careful and accurate study of conchology than he had before bestowed upon a branch of science which, though apparently of little interest in itself, is an indispensable handmaid of geology, and is aptly compared by him to the demotic character of the ancient Egyptian in its relation with the hieroglyphics. After his Italian tour, Lyell worked with characteristic ardor at this branch of study under the direction of M. Deshayes at Paris, and at a later period under Dr. Beck at Copenhagen. It was only by this assiduous labor at what might be regarded at the

In England, on the other hand, his views on this subject were admitted with little difficulty by his brother geologists. The field was in great measure new, the tertiary formations in England being of comparatively little interest; while the facts spoke for themselves, and the result of continued conchological researches only served to confirm the results previ ously obtained. Thus the classification first introduced by Lyell came to be universally accepted, and though the nomenclature was at first regarded as not very happily chosen, the names of eocene, miocene, and pliocene, have become indelibly fixed in geological science, and have been gradually extended to the tertiary formations in all parts of the world.

But if Lyell's authority was speedily established as paramount in respect to tertiary geology, it was far otherwise with his more general theory, which sought to refer all geological changes to the operation of known and existing causes: a departure from the spirit in which the science had been hitherto pursued, so

I was much struck with the different tone in

wide that we cannot wonder if it was long | though it was long before the views of before it commanded general assent. Lyell were formally adopted by any of the The theories generally adopted by all the leading geologists of the older school, the leading geologists up to that time were, opposition gradually waxed fainter and indeed, uniformly based upon the assump- feebler, and theories that had at first been tion, that there existed in the early ages scouted as absurd and unphilosophical of the world a state of things wholly differ- came to be treated with respect, and reent from the present, and that the geolog-garded as worthy at least of attentive ical record bore witness to a series of great consideration. Writing in 1838, Lyell, and violent changes, produced by causes after relating to his father-in-law, Mr. either altogether different from any now Leonard Horner, one of these animated in operation, or acting with an intensity debates, remarks: so enormously exceeding anything now known to us, as to remove them altogether into a different class. As Lyell himself repeatedly observes, the occurrence of such catastrophes, wholly at variance as they were with the existing course of nature, had come to be regarded, not as a theoretical assumption requiring to be established by irrefragable proofs, but as a natural suggestion in order to account for It has been the same with all the sucany difficulties in the observed phenom- cessive steps of real importance in geolena. Thus, when it was found that Buck-ogy. No one who was present when land's theory of one universal deluge was absolutely disproved by the facts, Sedgwick had recourse to the supposition of three, or even four, successive delugesall, of course, equally departures from any known order of things, and all, as subsequent investigation has shown, equally uncalled for as an hypothesis.

Still more remarkable was the eager adhesion given by the same eminent geologist to the bold theory advanced by Elie de Beaumont of the contemporaneous elevation of parallel mountain chains; certainly one of the most hasty generalizations that have been put forth in modern times. Yet the Cambridge professor, whose unquestionably powerful intellect gave him great influence over those around him, in an anniversary address to the Geological Society in 1831, "caught up and embraced the whole of what he termed De Beaumont's 'noble general ization; declared that it was little short of physical demonstration, and that it had given him (Sedgwick) a new geological sense, a new faculty of induction.'"

which my theory of gradual causes was treated by all, even including De la Bêche, from that which they experienced in the same room four Sedgwick, Whewell, and some others, treated years ago, when Buckland, De la Bêche, them with as much ridicule as was consistent with personal politeness in my presence.

Agassiz first expounded his theory of glacial action at a meeting of the Geological Society in 1841-of which unfortunately no record is preserved in Lyell's letters

will forget the tone of mingled contempt and ridicule with which it was received by the greater part of those present, with Whewell at their head, who dealt with it at once in his sledge-hammer style of oratory. Yet the inexorable logic of facts has long since established the conclusions of Agassiz among those landmarks of geological theory, which are not likely again to be disputed, and certain never to be overthrown.

Other attacks were not wanting from a different quarter. The suspicion with which some narrow-minded zealots for the truth of Scripture (according to their own assumption of its meaning) had regarded geology from the first, was especially awakened by such a theory as Lyell's. Shortly before the appearance of the "Principles" Lyell writes to one of his sisters: " Longman has paid down five hundred guineas to Mr. Ure of Dublin for a popular work on geology, just coming out. It is to prove the Hebrew cosmogony, and that we ought all to be burnt "in Smithfield." Of course the last words are a jocular exaggeration; but Mr. Ure and his book are alike utterly forgotten. The attack on the new theories was made with the greater confidence because the last book on geology that had made a great sensation in the world, Buckland's

This address was delivered within a few months after the publication of the first volume of the "Principles of Geology; and De Beaumont's system was, as Lyell himself remarks, judiciously selected as directly opposed to his own. For a considerable period, the contests waged by the catastrophists and uniformitarians, as the rival sects were named by Dr. Whewell, were repeated at successive meetings of the Geological Society, and,

Reliquia Diluviane," had been written with the express view of reconciling ex

of his first volume, complains how much harder it was to write for the general public than for men of science (vol. i., p. 260). This is a difficulty which all scientific writers feel, but very few overcome; hardly any conquer it to the degree that was attained by Lyell. But no one, who has had the advantage of being first introduced into the fascinating pursuits of geology by one of the earlier editions of his great work, can ever forget the charm of its perusal, or how he seemed to catch, as he read on and on, some portion of that enthusiasm and freshness of tone, which lighted up a mass of dry details, and kept them still subordinate to the grand conception of the whole.

to the pursuit of geology; a resolution from which he never afterwards swerved. At first indeed he appears to have entertained the delusive hope, that science might become a profession to him in the ordinary sense of the word; and when, after the first success of his book, the booksellers told him that it would "prove an annuity to him," he writes to his sister that he has "the moral certainty of earning a small but honorable independence." Yet we believe that, popular as his works continued to be throughout the remainder of his life, he never realized from their profits a sufficient amount to pay the expenses which he incurred in his geological investigations, and the numerous tours that they necessarily required.

isting appearances with the Mosaic account of the deluge, and so far at least might be considered as confirming, rather than impugning, the Scripture record. But when Lyell came out with his views, or rather with his statement of facts, proving to the conviction of all impartial minds, not only that there was no evidence of an universal deluge, but that it was certain that nothing of the kind had swept over the surface of the earth for countless ages; still more when he maintained that things had been going on in the same uniform manner as far back as the geological record extended, and that this comprised periods to which the supposed antiquity of the earth was a mere trifle a feeling was excited which Lyell Long before the publication of his recognizes with his characteristic moder-" Principles," Lyell had made up his ation in a letter to his friend Poulett mind to abandon altogether the profesScrope: "Even some of the moderates sion of the law, and devote his life wholly have already hinted to members of our family, that my work, though certainly creditable to the author's talents, contains opinions that may well cause some alarm." Whatever opposition might arise either from this or other quarters, one fact was certain. The book was from the first a complete success, and attracted the attention of a public far wider than the mere students of science. An able and wellwritten review of the first volume (by Mr. Poulett Scrope) which appeared in this journal almost immediately after its publication, contributed greatly to its popularity; and Mr. Murray was soon able to announce to the author that, if he could give him the second volume within six months, he was convinced that within twelve months not a single copy of either At first, indeed, he took a step which volume would remain unsold. But Lyell promised to secure him some immediate was far too conscientious a laborer in the remuneration. He was persuaded in field of science to hurry over his work. 1831, though with some reluctance, to He soon found that his second volume accept the professorship of geology at must be divided into two: one of which King's College, London, an appointment was published in January, 1832, at the certainly creditable to the liberality of same time with a second edition of the those who selected him, as the nominafirst volume, while the third did not make tion was entirely in the hands of the its appearance till April, 1833. A new Archbishop of Canterbury, the Bishops of edition of all three was called for in the London and Llandaff, and "two strictly following year; and from that time the orthodox doctors." Nor does he appear position of Lyell was established, not to have had reason to complain of any inonly as one of the leading geologists of terference with the free expression of his the day, but as the most popular expo-views; but he soon found that, though nent of a science which was continually attracting increased interest with the world at large. Much of this was undoubtedly owing to the merit of his style. He himself in one of his letters, written while he was engaged in the composition

* Quarterly Review, vol. xliii.

his lectures were sufficiently popular to attract for a time a numerous and fashionable array of visitors, he could command but a very small class of real students; and that the utility to be derived from lecturing to such a small number was no equivalent for the demand upon his time, and the interference with his

Conspicuous among these stands the well-known name of Mrs. Somerville We have at least no danger on one score, which is indeed familiar to the rising genthat of being rich, which I am sure, much as eration as a name, though her earlier money is wanted in science, does stop men's works, by which alone she achieved her careers more than anything, and gives them real reputation, are known to but few at innumerable duties, by which they become the present day, and, indeed, were never stewards of their property, rather than men calculated to be popular. Her "Mechanwho have time to devote to philosophical purism of the Heavens," which was at this suits. (Vol. i., p. 385.)

expressive term so absolutely free from | pressed, he said, to lecture at the Royal Inevery tinge of affectation, and so little disposed to put forward her great attain ments in society, that those who were not admitted to her intimacy might rather complain of a difficulty in ". "drawing her out," even upon her favorite subjects.

stitution, and wished to know if he could be seen from all parts of the theatre, because the change of the expression of his countenance would add great effect to his delivery of certain passages; and, "I will lecture in French, for although I read and speak English well, I should be more at home in French." (Vol. i., p. 378.)

Babbage also, who cantankerous as he unfortunately was in controversy was one of the pleasantest and most so- In July, 1832, Lyell was married to Miss ciable of companions in the society of his Horner; and never did a man of science intimates, was at this time a constant find more cause to congratulate himself member of the social circle frequented by on the choice he had made of a partner Lyell, while all the elder geologists, Sedg- for life. With great personal attractions, wick, Conybeare, Buckland, etc., fiercely and a charm of manner that made her as they opposed his new heretical doc- welcome in every society that she entered, trines at the Geological Society, always she devoted herself heart and soul to the met him at the club on the most friendly furtherance of her husband's pursuits; terms. When he was at length induced and when the weakness of his eyes interby the manner in which, as he says, fered, as it frequently did, with his labori"Buckland, Sedgwick, and Co. blazed ous studies, she was ever ready to act as away at him," to retaliate with such effect his amanuensis, or rather as a most intelthat, as one of his friends phrased it, he ligent secretary. With an understanding "floored Buckland," and "tore his theory fully capable of comprehending and apto tatters before his face," the veteran, preciating all her husband's discoveries, Oxford professor was only more good-she was so little disposed to put herself humored than before. forward, that none but their most intimate

A visit to Edinburgh at this period friends would suspect how much knowl introduced him to a different set of celeb-edge she really possessed on the subjects rities, among others to Lord Cockburn, of their common interest. As his father then solicitor-general for Scotland, of and sisters of whom six out of seven whom he gives a charming account, doing remained always unmarried — continued complete justice to the genial simplicity to reside almost entirely at Kinnordy, of character for which he was so remark while they warmly sympathized with able, while his conversation, if less bril- Charles Lyell's scientific pursuits, he liant than that of his contemporary Jeffrey, constantly maintained with them an acwas not less varied and interesting. After tive correspondence, which at the same a brief sketch of the topics of a long con- time ranged over a great variety of topics. versation which they had together at In his father-in-law, Leonard Horner, one Bonaly (Cockburn's country-seat), Lyell of the earliest members of the Geological writes: "On these and fifty other subjects Society, and, somewhat later, in his brothdid we enlarge, and I think exchanged er-in-law, Sir Charles Bunbury, a distinmore ideas than I have often done with guished authority in fossil botany, he men with whom I have been acquainted found correspondents of a more strictly for years." scientific character, besides frequent letA very different, though equally characters to Sir John Herschel, the present teristic, picture does he draw of a foreign celebrity who visited England at this time August von Schlegel, who was well known to his correspondent Miss Horner, from her residence at Bonn, and she was naturally desirous to know the impression he had made.

Sir Joseph Hooker, and Charles Darwin, with whom he had been from an early period on a footing of intimate friendship.

In 1834 he made a tour of three months to Denmark and Sweden, principally with the view of investigating for himself the question of the alleged gradual rise of the You asked me in one of your letters how I land in Sweden: a fact of which he had liked Schlegel-so little, that I avoided him. expressed his doubts in the earliest ediI met him three times, and exchanged some tions of his works, but which he considwords each time. He is full of conceit, talks

incessantly and of everything, not like Hum-ered as fully established by the evidences His altered boldt, whose loquacity bored some people, but he saw on this occasion. never me, because unmixed with self-conceit, views, and the facts upon which they were like Schlegel's. He called at Chelsea and based, were embodied in a paper read beannoyed Mrs. Somerville. He wanted to before the Royal Society in November, 1834,