The Student's Lyell: the Principles and Methods of Geology, as applied to the Investigation of the Past History of the Earth and its Inhabitants, with Historical Introduction

Abstract

IT is most fitting that the revision of Lyell's “Students' Elements of Geology” should be again carried out by Prof. J. W. Judd, who brings to his work such intimate knowledge of Lyell himself, and such broad experience as a geological teacher. Prof. Judd's pupils in many lands will find again in this volume those stimulating memories of Lyell's life and work which they received from their own master in the Royal School of Mines. The “historical introduction” to the present edition, occupying fifty-six pages, is not only a welcome essay on the influence exerted by the doctrine of causes now in action, but also a defence (pp 49-52) of Lyell from the charge of excessive uniformitarianism. Those who have not made themselves acquainted, as Prof. Judd has done, with the extravagant speculations of geological divines and of laymen aspiring to divinity, before the days when the influence of Hutton, von Hoff, and Lyell came to be generally appreciated, can scarcely realise the sense of calm and order that was brought by these authors into a world of controversy. Charles Darwin's admiration for the “Principles of Geology” would alone assure us of Lyell's position as a thinker; and now, in turning the pages of this new issue of his admirable text-book, we are again reminded that here was a man who wrote because, and only because, the spirit moved him.

The Student's Lyell: the Principles and Methods of Geology, as applied to the Investigation of the Past History of the Earth and its Inhabitants, with Historical Introduction.

Edited by Prof. J. W. Judd Second edition, revised and enlarged. Pp. 645. (London: J. Murray, 1911.) Price 7s. 6d. net.