Reminiscences of a Strenuous Life

Abstract

THOUGH nothing appears in this simple record to justify the adjective in the title, it will afford to many a pleasant reminder of a life still keen and active, yet bridging the years between Thomas Oldham's lectures in Dublin and the Darwin celebration of 1909. Dr. Hull originally studied at Trinity College, Dublin, with the view of becoming a clergyman of the Church of Ireland, and it is interesting to note that a course in the Irish language then formed a part of the recognised curriculum. Having, however, been attracted by engineering, he came under Old-ham's influence, and, with his aid, began work on the staff of the Geological Survey of Great Britain. His chief was Sir Henry de la Beche; his first instructor in the field was J. Beete Jukes; and during the next fifty years he became acquainted with all the prominent geologists in our islands. His principal official work was in connection with the Irish branch of the Survey, of which he became director in 1869. Some of the controversies of the next twenty years may have been “strenuous”; but Dr. Hull gives only a bare hint of this. In a kindly spirit he dwells on the many friends he made, a large number of whom are fortunately still amongst us. There is an engaging naïveté about some of his anecdotes, as when he confesses (p. 27) that he was shocked to find that one of these friends was a Liberal; or when he mentions that he lectured on a biblical subject with an archbishop in the chair. But his reminiscences of scientific societies in Dublin will come home to all those who remember the old friendly gatherings, which have already grown a shade more formal, partly through the spread of suburban homes, and partly through the development of more “strenuous” and specialised activities.

Reminiscences of a Strenuous Life.

By Prof. Edward Hull, F.R.S. Pp. iv+119. (London: Hugh Rees, Ltd., 1910.) Price 4s. 6d. net.