PART IV.--Geological Excursions, 827.

Miscellaneous, 905.

General Index, 909.

DIRECTIONS TO THE BINDER.

Plate I.--Frontispiece to Vol. I.

Plate II. Frontispiece to Vol. II.

Plates III., IV., V., and VI., to follow the Table of Contents, and be placed opposite the description of each.

Lign. 247, to face page 770.

DESCRIPTION

OF THE

FRONTISPIECE OF VOL. I.

PLATE I.

Fig. 1.--A Fern in Coal-shale, from Leicestershire.

2.--A Crustacean in Limestone, from Solenhofen.

3.--A Fish (_Pycnodus rhombus_) in Limestone; from near Castel-a-mare.

4.--Half the Lower Jaw of a Hyena, from a fissure in a sandstone rock, near Maidstone.

5.--An Ammonite, from the Isle of Portland.

DESCRIPTION OF THE VIGNETTE OF VOL. I.

A Group of Fossils, containing

Ammonites Mantellii, from the _Chalk-marl_, Sussex. Turrilites costatus, from the _Lower Chalk_, Rouen. Chondrites Bignoriensis, from the _Chalk-marl_, Sussex. Echinus and Fusus, from _Tertiary strata_, Palermo.

DESCRIPTION OF PLATE II.

_The Frontispiece of Vol. II._

A Fossil Fish of the Salmon tribe, allied to the Smelt; from the Chalk, near Lewes, in Sussex.

[See Vol. II. pages 626 and 628.]

DESCRIPTION OF PLATE III.

_Incrustations, and Fossil Plants._

Figs. 1, 2, 3.--Twigs of Larch and Hawthorn, coated with tufa, or travertine, from having been exposed to the dripping of an incrusting spring; from Russia; see p. 39.

5.--A branch of recent _Chara_, with its fruit, with a thin pellicle of incrustation. Matlock.

6, 7.--Hazel-nuts, from Belfast Lough: fig. 6 is lined with crystals of calcareous spar; fig. 7 is filled with a solid mass of the same mineral; see p. 71.

4, 8.--Impressions of Dicotyledonous Leaves in Gypseous Marlstone, from Stradella, near Pavia; see p. 201.

9.--Eocene Lacustrine or Fresh-water Limestone, from East Cliff Bay, Isle of Wight, with stems and seeds of Charge: slightly magnified; see p. 195.

10.--Encrusted Twigs, from Matlock; the vegetable matter has perished, and left tubular cavities; see p. 39, and p. 873.

DESCRIPTION OF PLATE IV.

Various species of recent Diatomaceæ, to illustrate the Fossil remains of this Tribe of Vegetables.

_For detailed descriptions, see pages 87-100._

Figs. 1 to 5.--Various kinds of _Xanthidia_: figs. 2, 3, 4, found in a pond on Clapham Common, and fig. 1. living in a pond near Westpoint, United States.

1.--Xanthidium _furcatum_: 1/24 of a line in diameter.

2.-- --------- _hirsutum_: 1/36.

3.-- --------- _aculeatum_: 1/24.

4.-- --------- _fasciculatum_: 1/24.

5.-- -------------------- variety of the above.

2*.--Pyxidicula operculata; Carlsbad, Bohemia: 1/48 of a line in diameter.

6.--Bacillaria vulgaris. 1/36 of a line in diameter. Pond on Clapham Common.

7.--Cocconeis scutellum: from the Baltic: 1/24 of a line.

8.--Navicula viridis: 1/6 of a line. Ponds on Clapham Common.

9.--The same; a side view; showing the currents produced in the water by the animal when in locomotion.

10.--Gallionella lineata: 1/36 of a line. Ponds on Clapham Common.

11.--Gallionella moniliformis: 1/72 of a line.

12.--Synhedra ulna: 1/9 of a line: the point _a_, marks the pedicle of attachment. Ponds on Clapham and Wandsworth Commons.

13.--Podosphenia gracilis: 1/12 of a line; attached to a thread of _Calothria_ and having by self-division formed a radiating cluster. Common in the ditches communicating with the Thames in Battersea-fields.

14.--Navicula splendida: 1/12 of a line in diameter.

15.--Lateral view of the same.

16.--Eunotia turgida: 1/14 of a line; the empty shell, with sixty-five ribs, viewed laterally.

17.--A living group of the same: 1/20 of a line: a piece of _Conferva rivularis_, beset with these animalcules. The smaller species are _E. Westermanni_.

[All the above organisms were figured and described by Ehrenberg as animals (_Polygastrica_), and are comprised in his family _Bacillaria_; they are now, however, regarded as unquestionably vegetable structures, belonging to the family of Algæ, termed _Diatomaceæ_.]

DESCRIPTION OF PLATE V.

_Illustrative of the Structure of Fossil Vegetables._

Fig. 1.--Polished transverse section of silicified Monocotyledonous Wood, from Antigua; p. 185.

1_a_.--Magnified 20 times linear.

1_b_.--Magnified 75 times linear.

2_a_.--Transverse section of silicified Coniferous Wood (_Abies Benstedi_) from the Kentish Rag, near Maidstone (Iguanodon quarry), × 120 linear; p. 173.

2_b_.--Vertical or longitudinal section of the same, × 250 linear.

3_a_.--Transverse section of calcareous coniferous wood, from Willingdon, Sussex, × 80 linear; p. 173.

3_b_.--Longitudinal section of the above, × 120 linear.

4.--Slice of a transverse section of a recent Dicotyledonous Stem; showing, 1st, Pith or medullary column, occupying the centre; 2d, Four bands of woody layers, separated by condensed lines of elongated tissue in series, and having large regular openings of vessels, with numerous medullary rays running continuously from the central pith to the bark; 3d, the bark. (_From Mr. Witham._)

5.--Slice of a transverse section of a recent gymnospermous phanerogamic stem (of a Cycas), having a central pith, with woody layers separated by a condensed line, and consisting of elongated cellular tissue, arranged in a regular series; medullary rays and bark. (_From Mr. Witham._)

6.--Bundles of vascular tissue in Stigmaria ficoides, × 12 linear. See p. 135. The two strands of vessels that appear as if on the surface (and are of a looser texture) are part of the vascular tissue of the stem, and become inflected (that is, bent over), and give rise to a band of vessels (the darker band seen between the above), that passes towards the bark or cortical covering.

7.--Portion of a transverse section of one of the bundles of vascular tissue of _Sigillaria elegans_, × 20 linear. (From _M. Brongniart._) See p. 131.

The convex portion on the left, and which in the original stem is situated towards the centre, is composed of the medullary vascular tissue formed of vessels irregularly disposed.

The longitudinal bundles are the woody fibres arranged in a radiated circle: the smooth interspaces are medullary rays.

The two distinct roundish spots of vascular tissue on the right of the ligneous zone occur irregularly on the outside of the woody circle, and are supposed to be detached bundles of the ligneous zone extending towards the leaves. See p. 131.

DESCRIPTION OF PLATE VI.

_Illustrative of the Structure of Fossil Teeth._

Fig. 1_a_.--Tooth of _Psammodus porosus_, from the Mountain Limestone. See p. 587.

1_b_.--Vertical section, a portion × 75 linear.

1_c_.--Transverse section of the same, × 75.

2_a_.--Tooth of _Ptychodus polygurus_, from the Chalk, near Lewes. See p. 585.

2_b_.--Portion of longitudinal section, × 20.

2_c_.--Portion of transverse section, × 20.

3_b_.--Tooth of the _Labyrinthodon Jægeri_, from the New Red sandstone near Wirtemberg; half the natural size: the specimen presented by Dr. Jæger. See p. 742.

3_a_.--A moiety of a transverse polished section, × 20.

3_b_.--Portion of a vertical section near the apex, × 20.

3_c_.--One of the anfractuosities of fig. 3_a_ × ×.

4_a_.--Crown or upper portion of a tooth of a young _Iguanodon_, from Tilgate Forest. See p. 697.

4_b_.--Portion of a vertical section of the above, × 20.

4_c_.--A small portion of a transverse section of the same, × 20.

5.--Tooth of _Goniopholis_, Tilgate Forest: half the natural size. See p. 678.

6_a_.--Tooth of a reptile (probably of the _Hylæosaurus_), from Tilgate Forest; half the natural size. See p. 690.

6_b_.--Portion of a vertical section of the same, × 20.

7_a_.--Tooth of _Megalosaurus_, from Tilgate Forest. See p. 687.

7_b_.--Portion of a vertical section of the same, × 10.

8.--A small portion of a vertical section of a tooth of _Dendrodus_. See p. 618.

9.--Portion of a transverse section of the base of a tooth of _Ichthyosaurus_, × 20. See p. 665.

10_a_.--Tooth of _Lepidotus_, Tilgate Forest. See p. 606.

10_b_.--The upper figure is a transverse section, and the lower a vertical section of the same, × 20.

LIST OF LIGNOGRAPHS IN VOL. I.

============

(_Illustrative of Fossil Botany._)

LIGN. PAGE

1. Sections of Recent Vegetables 55 2. Sections of Fern-Stems 62 3. Nodule of Ironstone, enclosing a Fern Leaf 69 4. Siliceous Frustules of Diatomaceæ, and Spicules of Spongillæ 94 5. Fossil Gallionellæ 96 6. Organic Bodies in Porcelain Earth 97 7. Microphytes from the Tertiary deposits at Richmond, U.S. 98 8. Confervites Woodwardii 101 9. Chondrites Bignoriensis 102 10. Delesserites (Fucoides) Lamourouxii 103 11. Moss and Conferva in transparent quartz 104 12. Equisetum Lyellii 105 13. Equisetites columnaris 106 14. Calamites decoratus 107 15. Calamites in Coal-shale 108 16. Pecopteris Sillimani 110 17. Pachypteris lanceolata 112 18. Sphenopteris elegans 112 19. Sphenopteris nephrocarpa 113 20. Sphenopteris Mantellii 113 21. Cyclopteris trichomanoides 114 22. Neuropteris acuminata 115 23. Glossopteris Phillipsii 116 24. Odontopteris Schlotheimii 116 25. Anomopteris Mougeotii 117 26. Tœniopteris latifolia 118 27. Fig. 1, Pecopteris Murrayana 118 2, Pecopteris lonchitica 118 28. Lonchopteris Mantellii 119 29. Fig. 1, Phlebopteris Phillipsii 120 2, Phlebopteris propinqua 120 30. Clathropteris meniscoides 121 31. Caulopteris macrodiscus 123 32. Base of a Trunk of a Sigillaria, with root 126 33. Sigillariæ, in Coal Shale 128 34. Sigillaria Saullii 129 35. Silicified Stem of Sigillaria elegans 130 36. Stigmaria ficoides 133 37. Transverse section of Stigmaria ficoides 135 38. Erect Stem of a Sigillaria, with Roots 136 39. A Terminal Branch of a Lepidodendron 138 40. Lepidostrobi, the Fruit of Lepidodendra 141 41. Stems of Halonia and Knorria, from the Coal Formation 144 42. Asterophyllites equisetiformis 147 43. Fig. 1, Sphenophyllum Schlotheimii 148 2, Sphenophyllum erosum 148 44. Fossil Fruits, or Seed Vessels 149 45. Foliage and upper part of the Stem of Cycas revoluta (recent) 150 46. Part of a leaf of Pterophyllum comptum 152 47. Part of a leaf of Zamites pectinatus 153 48. Fruit of Zamites Mantellii 154 49. Fossil Fruits of Cycadeous Plants 156 50. Mantellia nidiformis 157 51. Mantellia cylindrica 158 52. Clathraria Lyellii, inner Axis of the Stem of 159 53. Clathraria Lyellii, Stem of 160 54. Clathraria Lyellii, part of Stem of 161 55. Clathraria Lyellii, Petiole of 161 56. Clathraria Lyellii, summit of Stem, with petioles 162 57. Clathraria Lyellii, water-worn Stem of 163 58. Fragment of Coniferous Wood in Flint 174 59. Fig. 1, Part of a Branch of Araucaria peregrina 176 2, Calamites nodosus, with foliage 176 60. Walchia hypnoides 178 61. Abietites Dunkeri 179 62. Thuites Kurrianus 180 63. Nipadites and other Fossil Fruits from the Isle of Sheppey 188 64. Fossil Fruits from the Isle of Sheppey 189 65. Fossil Wood perforated by Teredines 193 66. Fossil Fresh-water Plants 196 67. Fossil Fruits and Flower 198 68. Imprints of Dicotyledonous leaves in Gypseous Marlstone 201

(_lllustrative of Fossil Zoology._)

69. Coral and Spongites 224 70. Fossil Zoophytes 227 71. Fossil Sponge 228 72. Fossil Zoophytes 229 73. Siphoniæ from the Greensand 231 74. Polypothecia dichotoma 232 75. Choanites Königi 234 76. Paramoudra in the Chalk 237 77. A group of Spiniferites in Flint 239 78. Spiniferites Reginaldi 241 79. Spiniferites palmatus 241 80. Flints, the forms of which are derived from Zoophytes 243 81. Ventriculites radiatus 244 82. Portions of Ventriculites 245 83. Ventriculites alcyonoides 248 84. A Coral Polype, in flint 250 85. Graptolites in Wenlock Limestone 255 86. Favosites polymorpha 258 87. Corals from the Dudley Limestone 261 88. Fossil Corals 262 89. Corals from the Chalk and Mountain Limestone 268 90. Stems of Encrinites and Pentacrinites 284 91. Recent Comatula and Fossil Crinoidea 286 92. Fossil Crinoidea 289 93. Apiocrinites 291 94. Actinocrinites and Pentacrinite 294 95. Cyathocrinites planus 296 96. Marsupites Milleri 300 97. Fossil remains of Star-fishes 305 98. Goniaster Mantelli 306 99. Asterias prisca 308 100. Fossil Turban Echinus with its Spines 311 101. Cidarites from the Oolite and Chalk 316 102. Fossil Spines of Cidarites 319 103. Echinital remains in flint 320 104. Echinites from the Chalk 323 105. Holectypus inflatus 324 106. Discoidea castanea 325 107. Micraster cor-anguinum 328 108. Toxaster complanatus 329 109. Foraminifera from the Chalk 342 110. Nummulites, or Nummulina 344 111. Foraminifera from the Chalk 347 112. Spirolinites in flint 349 113. Nonionina Germanica (recent) 350 114. Foraminifera in Chalk and flint 351 115. Chalk-dust, chiefly composed of Foraminifera 355 116. Section of a Rotalia in flint 356 117. Rotalia in flint, with the fossilized body of the animal in the shell 358 118. Soft Bodies of Foraminifera extracted from the Chalk 359 119. Remains of Foraminifera in chalk and flint 361 120. Fossil Oyster, from the Chalk 374 121. Recent Bivalve Mollusc, showing the several parts of the shell and the animal 377 122. Turritellæ from Bracklesham 383 123. Shell-Conglomerate 385 124. Shell-Limestone, from the mouth of the Thames 386 125. Terebratula and Rhynchonella 388 126. Terebratula and Spirifer 390 127. Shells and Echinite from the Oolite and Lias 397 128. Spondylus spinosus in Chalk-flint 399 129. Inoceramus Cuvieri of the Chalk 401 130. Flint with fragments of Inoceramus perforated by Clionites 403 131. Unio Valdensis 415 132. Cyclas and Melanopsis 416 133. Fossil Shells of Gasteropoda 418 134. Polished Slab of Purbeck Marble 422 135. Univalves from the Chalk of Touraine 427 136. Univalves from the Mountain Limestone 428 137. Murchisonia bilineata 430 138. Sphærulites from the Chalk 431 139. Coprolites and Molluskite 432

THE

MEDALS OF CREATION.

⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼◆⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼

INTRODUCTION.

"Geology, in the magnitude and sublimity of the objects of which it treats, ranks next to Astronomy in the scale of the Sciences."--_Sir J. F. W. Herschel._

Geology, a term signifying a discourse on the Earth, (from two Greek words: viz. γἡ, _ge_, the earth; and λὁγος, _logos_, a discourse,) is the science which treats of the physical structure of the planet on which we live, and of the nature and causes of the successive changes which have taken place in the organic and inorganic kingdoms, from the remotest period to the present time, and is therefore intimately connected with every department of natural philosophy.

While in common with other scientific pursuits it yields the noblest and purest pleasures of which the human mind is susceptible, it has peculiar claims on our attention, since it offers inexhaustible and varied fields of intellectual research, and its cultivation, beyond that of any other science, is in a great measure independent of external circumstances; for it can be followed in whatever condition of life we maybe placed, and wherever our fortunes may lead us.

The eulogium passed by a distinguished living philosopher on scientific knowledge in general, is strikingly applicable to geological investigations. "The highest worldly-prosperity, so far from being incompatible with them, supplies additional advantages for their pursuit; they may be alike enjoyed in the intervals of the most active business, while the calm and dispassionate interest with which they fill the mind, renders them a most delightful retreat from the agitations and dissensions of the world, and from the conflict of passions, prejudices, and interests, in which the man of business finds himself continually involved."[2]

[2] Sir J. F. W. Herschel, "Discourse on the Study of Natural Philosophy."

From the present advanced state of geological science, particularly of that department which it is the more especial object of these volumes to elucidate, namely Palæontology,[3] or the study of Organic Remains,--it seems scarcely credible, that but little more than a century ago it was a matter of serious question with naturalists, whether the petrified shells imbedded in the rocks and strata were indeed shells that had been secreted by molluscous animals; or whether these bodies, together with the teeth, bones, leaves, wood, &c. found in a fossil state, were not formed by what was then termed the plastic power of the earth; in like manner as minerals, metals, and crystals.

[3] Palæontology: from παλαιος, _palaios_, ancient--οντα, _onta_, beings--λὁγος, _logos_, a discourse.

In a "Natural History of England," published towards the end of the last century, it is gravely observed that at Bethersden in Kent, a kind of stone is found full of shells, "_which is a proof that shells and the animals we find in them living, have no necessary connexion_." Another amusing instance of the ignorance on such subjects which prevailed at no remote period, occurs in a "History of the County of Surrey," in which it is stated that in a search for coal near Guildford the borers broke, and "this was thought by Mr. Peter Lely, the Astrologer, to have been the work of subterranean spirits, who wrenched off the augers of the miners, lest their secret haunts should be invaded."

But in the latter part of the seventeenth century, there were several eminent men in England who were greatly in advance of the age in which they lived, and strenuously exerted themselves to discover and promulgate the true principles of Geology. Among these, Dr. Martin Lister, physician to Queen Anne, was one of the most distinguished. This accomplished naturalist, in his great work on shells, which remains to this day a splendid monument of his labours, and of the talents and filial affection of his two daughters, by whom all the plates were engraved, figures and describes many fossil shells as real animal productions, and carefully compares them with recent species. He also recognised the distinction of strata by the organic remains they contain; and to him the honour is due of having first suggested the construction of geological maps;[4] he was likewise well acquainted with the position and extent of the Chalk and other strata of the South of England.[5]

[4] See Notes on the Progress of Geology in England, by W. H. Fitton, M.D. &c. _Philos. Mag._ vols. i. and ii. for 1832 and 1833.

[5] This celebrated physician and British geologist died in 1712, and was interred in the old church at Clapham; where a tablet to his memory is affixed to the outside of the north wall of St. Paul's Chapel.

From the foreign writers, who at an early period had obtained some correct notions of the structure of our planet, and of the nature of the revolutions it had undergone, I select the following beautiful and philosophical illustration of the physical mutations to which the surface of the earth is perpetually subjected. It is from an Arabic manuscript of the thirteenth century;[6] the narrative is supposed to be related by Rhidhz, an allegorical personage.

[6] Quoted by Sir C. Lyell in his "Principles of Geology."

"I passed one day by a very ancient and populous city, and I asked one of its inhabitants how long it had been founded? 'It is, indeed, a mighty city,' replied he; 'we know not how long it has existed, and our ancestors were on this subject as ignorant as ourselves.' Some centuries afterwards I passed by the same place, but I could not perceive the slightest vestige of the city; and I demanded of a peasant, who was gathering herbs upon its former site, how long it had been destroyed? 'In sooth, a strange question,' replied he, 'the ground here has never been different from what you now behold it.' 'Was there not,' said I, 'of old a splendid city here?' 'Never,' answered he, 'so far as we know, and never did our fathers speak to us of any such.'

"On revisiting the spot, after the lapse of other centuries, I found the sea in the same place, and on its shores were a party of fishermen, of whom I asked how long the land had been covered by the waters? 'Is this a question,' said they, 'for a man like you? this spot has always been what it is now.'

"I again returned ages afterwards, and the sea had disappeared. I inquired of a man who stood alone upon the ground, how long ago the change had taken place, and he gave me the same answer that I had received before.

"Lastly, on coming back again, after an equal lapse of time, I found there a flourishing city, more populous and more rich in buildings than the city I had seen the first time; and when I fain would have informed myself regarding its origin, the inhabitants answered me, 'Its rise is lost in remote antiquity--we are ignorant how long it has existed, and our fathers were on this subject no wiser than ourselves.'"

We may smile at the ignorance of the inhabitants of the fabled cities, but are we in a condition to give a more satisfactory reply should it be inquired of us, "What are the physical changes which the country you inhabit has undergone?"--and yet cautious observation, and patient and unprejudiced investigation, are alone necessary to enable us to answer the interrogation.

Dismissing from his mind all preconceived opinions, the student must be prepared to learn that the earth's surface has been, and still is, subject to perpetual mutation,--that the sea and land are continually changing place,--that what is now dry land was once the bottom of the deep, and that the bed of the present ocean will, in its turn, be elevated above the water and become land,--that all the solid materials of the globe have been in a softened, fluid, or gaseous state,--that the relics of countless myriads of animals and plants are entombed in the rocks and strata,--and that vast mountain-chains, and extensive regions, are wholly composed of the petrified remains of beings that lived and died in periods long antecedent to the creation of the human race. Astounding as are these propositions, they rest upon evidence so clear and incontrovertible, that they cannot fail to be admitted by every intelligent and unprejudiced reader, who will bestow but a moderate share of attention to the examination of the phenomena, of which the following pages present a familiar exposition.

I cannot conclude these introductory observations, without adverting to the incalculable benefits which result from scientific pursuits in general, and of Geology in particular. An able modern writer has justly remarked:--"It is fearfully true, that nine-tenths of the immorality which pervades the better classes of society, originate from the want of an interesting occupation to fill up the vacant time; and as the study of the natural sciences is as attractive as it is beneficial, it must necessarily exert a moral and even religious influence upon the young and inquiring mind. The youth who is fond of scientific pursuits will not enter into revelry, for frivolous or vicious excitements will have no fascination for him. The overflowing cup, the unmeaning or dishonest game, will not entice him. If any one doubts the beneficial influence of these studies on the morals and character, I would ask him to point out the immoral young man who is devotedly attached to any branch of natural science: I never knew such an one. There may be such individuals--for religion only can change the heart--but if there be, they are very rare exceptions; and the loud clamours which are always raised against the man of science who errs, prove how rarely the study of the works of the Creator fails to exert an ennobling effect upon a well-regulated mind. Fortunate, indeed, are the youth of either sex, who early imbibe a taste for natural knowledge, and whose predilections are not thwarted by injudicious friends."

And while Geology exerts this hallowing influence on the character, it possesses the great advantage of presenting subjects adapted to every capacity; on some of its investigations the highest intellectual powers and the most profound acquirements in exact science are required; while many of its problems may be solved by any one who has eyes and will use them; and innumerable facts illustrative of the ancient condition of our planet, and of its inhabitants, may be gathered by any diligent and intelligent observer.

But it is surely unnecessary to dwell on the interest and importance of a study, which instructs us that every pebble we tread upon bears the impress of the Almighty's hand, and affords evidence of Creative wisdom; that every grain of sand, every particle of dust scattered by the wind, may be composed of the aggregated skeletons of beings, so minute as to elude our unassisted vision, but which possessed an organization as marvellous as our own;--a science whose discoveries have realized the wildest imaginings of the poet,--whose realities far surpass in grandeur and sublimity the most imposing fictions of romance;--a science, whose empire is the earth, the ocean, the atmosphere, the heavens;--whose speculations embrace all elements, all space, all time;--objects the most minute, objects the most colossal;--carrying its researches into the smallest atom which the microscope can render accessible to our visual organs,--and comprehending all the phenomena in the boundless Universe, which the powers of the telescope can reveal.

And as no branch of natural philosophy can more strongly impress the mind with that deep sense of humility and dependence, which the contemplation of the works of the Eternal is calculated to inspire, so none can more powerfully encourage our aspirations after truth and wisdom. Every walk we take offers subjects for profound meditation,--every pebble that attracts our notice, matter for serious reflection; and contemplating the incessant dissolution and renovation which are taking place around us in the organic and inorganic kingdoms of nature, we are struck with the force and beauty of the exclamation of the poet--

My heart is awed within me, when I think Of the great miracle which still goes on In silence round me--the perpetual work Of Thy Creation, finished, yet renewed For ever!

PRELIMINARY REMARKS.

ON THE PLAN OF THE WORK, AND THE ARRANGEMENT AND SUBDIVISION OF THE SUBJECTS IT EMBRACES.

With the view of economizing space, I would refer the reader to the following volumes for figures and descriptions of such fossils as are illustrated therein: by this arrangement I hope to afford the student a comprehensive view of Palæontology, and yet restrict this work within the limits which as a manual it would be inconvenient to exceed; at the same time it will be complete in itself, and afford all the information required by the amateur collector and general reader.

I. Dr. Buckland's _Bridgewater Treatise_: 2 vols. 8vo.--These volumes contain numerous excellent figures of organic remains; and as the work is, or ought to be, found in every good public or private library in the kingdom, it will be accessible to most of my readers.

II. _The Wonders of Geology, or a Familiar Exposition of Geological Phenomena_; _sixth_ edition, in two vols, with coloured plates, and numerous figures; by the Author. Price 18_s._--This work is designed to afford a general view of Geological phenomena, divested as much as possible of scientific language: it is illustrated by numerous figures of organic remains.

III. _Geological Excursions round the Isle of Wight and along the adjacent Coasts of Hampshire and Dorsetshire._ One volume, richly illustrated. By the Author. Price 12_s._

IV. _Petrifactions and their Teachings; or a Hand-book to the Gallery of Organic Remains in the British Museum._ One vol. with many original figures of the most interesting objects. By the Author.[7] Price 5_s._

[7] The three works above named consist of four volumes uniform with the present edition of the "Medals of Creation:" this series of six volumes comprises the popular geological works of the Author.

V. _A Pictorial Atlas of Fossil Remains;_ consisting of Coloured Illustrations selected from "Parkinson's Organic Remains of a Former World," and Artis' "Antediluvian Phytology." 1 vol. 4to. with seventy-four coloured plates, and several lignographs, containing nearly 900 figures of fossils. By the Author. Price 2_l._ 2_s._

To the above may be added Dana's _Mineralogy_, which treats of the various mineral substances that enter into the composition of the rocks and strata in which the fossil remains are imbedded.

A good geological map of Great Britain is indispensable. The small map published by the Society for the Diffusion of Useful Knowledge, edited by Sir R. Murchison, price 5_s._, is an excellent compendium; but Mr. Knipe's large "_Geological Map of the British Isles_" is the most complete and convenient for the traveller: price 3_l._ 3_s._ By reference to the map, the geological structure, and the prevailing fossils of a district, may be ascertained.

The above works are referred to as follows: viz.

_Bd._ Dr. Buckland's Treatise.

_Wond._ The Wonders of Geology.

_Geol. I. of W._ Geology of the Isle of Wight.

_Petrifactions._ Petrifactions and their Teachings.

_Pict. Atlas._ Pictorial Atlas of Organic Remains.

The following works, to which reference will often be made, are thus denoted:--

_Foss. Flor._ The Fossil Flora of Great Britain, by Dr. Lindley, and W. Hutton, Esq. 3 vols. 8vo.

_Vég. Foss._ Histoire des Végétans: Fossiles, par M. Adolphe Brongniart. 1 vol. 4 to.

_Geol. Trans._ Transactions of the Geological Society of London. 5 vols. 4to.; and New Series, in 5 vols.

_Geol. Proc._ Geological Proceedings.

_---- Journ._ ---------- Quarterly Journal.

_Sil. Syst._ The Silurian System, by Sir R. I. Murchison. 2 vols. 4to. with plates and map.

_Org. Rem._ Parkinson's Organic Remains of a Former World. 3 vols. 4to.

_Oss. Foss._ Ossemens Fossiles, par Baron Cuvier. 5 vols. 4to. 5^{me.} edit.

_Min. Conch._ Sowerby's Mineral Conchology. 6 vols. 8vo.

_Odont._ Odontography; a Treatise on the Comparative Anatomy of the Teeth, by Professor Owen. 2 vols. 8vo.

_Brit. Mam._ British Fossil Mammalia; by the same Author. 1 vol. 8vo.

_Brit. Rep._ Reports on British Fossil Reptiles in the British Association Transactions for 1839, and 1841; by the same Author.

_Phil. York._ Geology of Yorkshire, by Professor John Phillips. 2 vols. 4to.

_South. D._ Fossils of the South Downs, 1 vol. 4to. 42 plates by the Author. 1822.

_Geol. S. E._ Geology of the South-east of England. 1 vol. 8vo. by the same.

_Tilg. For._ Fossils of Tilgate Forest. 1 vol. 4to. 20 plates; by the same. 1827.

_Poiss. Foss._ Recherches sur les Poissons Fossiles, par M. Agassiz. 4 vols. 4to, and 2 vols, folio.

_Man. Geol._ Manual or Elements of Geology, by Sir C. Lyell. 1 vol. 8vo. Edit. 1852.

The following abbreviations are also employed:--

§ 1. _Relative to the Rocks or Strata._

_Drift._ Alluvial deposits, or Drift.

_Tert._ Tertiary. _Lond. C._ London clay.

_Cret._ Cretaceous formation. _U. Ch._ Upper chalk. _L. Ch._ Lower chalk.

_Trias._ New Red Sandstone, or Triassic deposits.

_Carb._ Carboniferous or Coal formation.

_Mt. L._ Mountain or Carboniferous limestone.

_Devon._ Devonian or Old Red Sandstone formation.

_Sil. Syst._ Silurian System, or formation.

§ 2. _Relative to Organic Remains._

_nat._ Natural size.

× Magnified in diameter: _e.g._ × 8, magnified eight diameters, &c.

× × Highly magnified; the degree not accurately determined.

_inv._ Invisible to the naked eye.

-- Less than natural: _e.g._ --2/3, reduced to two-thirds the diameter of the original.

_Lign._ Lignograph or woodcut.

_Explanation of Terms._--Upon the occurrence of a scientific word apparently requiring explanation, the _meaning_, where practicable, is for the most part given in a parenthesis; for example, Caulopteris (_fern-stem_); Phascotherium (_pouch-animal_); carboniferous (_coal-bearing_); except in the case of arbitrary names, and of those whose derivation cannot be concisely expressed.[8] With the view of rendering these volumes more generally useful, English terminology is in many instances made use of, though involving inelegance of expression.

[8] Upwards of 300 scientific terms are explained in the Glossary, "Wonders," vol. ii. p. 915-921.

The work is divided into four parts: the first is an _Introduction to the Study of Organic Remains_; the second treats of _Fossil Botany_; the third embraces _Fossil Zoology_; and the fourth, under the head of _Geological Excursions_, illustrates the principles enunciated in the course of the work, by practical observations on a few instructive British localities.