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Charles Lyell and the Geological Society

JOHN C. THACKRAY Department of Library and Information Services, The Museum, Cromwell Road, SW7 5BD, UK

Abstract: was a loyal and committed Fellow of the Geological Society from 1819 until 1875, serving as Secretary, Foreign Secretary and President. He was principally a theorist, his uniformitarian outlook strongly influenced by the of . The Society on the other hand was devoted to the collection and dissemination of facts; on the whole, theorizing was unwelcome. In line with this tradition the papers Lyell read to the Society are largely factual, and do not add a great deal to the ideas put forward in the Principles of . However, his theories were not ignored by the Society, being noticed in the annual presidential address and, more importantly, in the unscripted and largely spontaneous discussions that took place after many of the papers read at the Society's evening meetings.

Charles Lyell was elected a Member of the on 26 December 1836: Geological Society on 19 March 1819. His admis- Don't accept any official scientific place, if you sion certificate, which is number 498 in a series can avoid it, and tell no one I gave you this which had reached 18 000 by 1990, is signed by the advice, as they would all cry out against me as Revd , the Revd William D the preacher of anti-patriotic principles. I fought Conybeare and the Revd William Hony. Lyell was against the calamity of being President as long as then 22 years old and a student at Exeter College, I could ... (Burkhardt & Smith 1985, p.532) . He remained a Member (converting to Fellow in 1826 after the granting of the Royal We have a pen picture by of Lyell at Charter) until his death 56 years later. Lyell served a Society meeting during his first presidency as Secretary, Foreign Secretary, Vice President and which, although distinctly unflattering, is well President. He attended Council Meetings in one worth reproducing: capacity or another for an astonishing 52 years. One finely made, gentlemanly-looking man was The Geological Society was not, of course, very busy among the fossils which lay on the Lyell's only society, for he belonged to the Royal, table, and shook hands with most of the members Linnean, Zoological and Geographical societies as they came in. His forehead was low and not and probably others (Morrell 1976). But there is very wide, and his eyes were small, sharp, and little doubt that Lyell loved the Geological Society rather ill-natured. He took the chair, however, above all others. This was partly of course because and Mr. Charlesworth, coming in after the geology was his favourite science, but also because business of the meeting had commenced, he subscribed to its ethos and way of doing things. stealing quietly into the room, and seating him- One sees his pride when he reports to his friends: 'a self beside me, informed me that it was Mr. splendid meeting', 'an excellent meeting' and 'all Lyell. I expected a finer countenance in the great the best men present'. Certainly in the 1820s and . (Cook & Wedderburn 1909, vol. 1, p. 1830s most observers agreed that the Geological 9) was easily the brightest and liveliest of London's scientific societies, and even so critical a writer as Charles Lyell was a great theorist. His Principles sang its praises (Babbage 1830, of Geology (12 edns, 1830-1875) offers his readers pp. 45-46). a world in equilibrium, where organic and Lyell was not however prepared to devote his inorganic processes interact and balance; where whole life to the Society, and occasionally resented things move slowly and steadily and naturally the amount of time that his offices took up. He within a long timescale. He had a deep and long managed to avoid being President for 1833-1835, term commitment to what became known as unifor- though he succumbed for 1835-1837. He wrote to mitarianism, and the presentation of observations

THACKRAY, J. C. 1998. Charles Lyell and the Geological Society. In: BLUNDELL, D. J. & SCOTT, A. C. (eds) 17 Lyell: the Past is the Key to the Present. Geological Society, London, Special Publications, 143, 17-20. Downloaded from http://sp.lyellcollection.org/ by guest on September 26, 2021

18 j.C. THACKRAY and field examples are part of Lyell's strategy for similarities between the world of today and the promoting this theory (Rudwick 1970). This world of the geological past. outlook owed a lot to James Hutton, or at least to The second paper was read in April 1839 and Playfair's interpretation of Hutton, and Hutton was concerned some fossil and recent shells collected in one of those geological system builders that the Canada by Captain Bayfield. Lyell used these to Geological Society deeply disapproved of. The deduce that the climate was colder in the recent past Geological Society had been founded in 1807 to and slightly less cold at a more distant period. Once facilitate the collection and communication of new again, the paper was published in the Proceedings facts, and not for the discussion of systems and (Lyell 1839). The shells are cited in the second theories (Rudwick 1963). G. B. Greenough (1778- edition of the Elements of Geology (Lyell 1841, vol. 1855), the first President, was still active through 1, p. 236), where they join the mass of evidence that the 1820s and 1830s and was fiercely sceptical of Lyell gathers to show that the climate of particular all attempts at theorizing. The typical paper locations has changed during the 's history, presented during the first 50 years of the Society's but that the overall temperature of the Earth has life was a piece of regional geology in which strata remained constant. were described and mapped, and their age deduced The third paper was read on Lyell's behalf in from a study of their fossil remains. The deduction January 1842 and deals with Niagara Falls, which of theories from facts was certainly acceptable, but he had visited the previous autumn. Lyell's anything that smacked of the all-inclusive theories enthusiasm for this great marvel of nature is clear of the previous century was deeply suspect. as he describes the strata of the district and then the Were the theoretical tenets to which Lyell was so phenomena of the falls themselves (Lyell 1842). committed simply ignored by the Society to which Niagara had featured in the he gave his allegiance? from the very first edition to demonstrate the role of Lyell read 45 papers to the Geological Society running water in erosion, with a description based between 1824 and 1854. Twenty derive from his on the work of Robert (Bakewell 1830) visits to North America, 15 relate to the and Captain Basil Hall (Hall 1829). In the seventh and strata of Britain and the Continent edition the account is rewritten on the basis of of Europe, five to other aspects of British geology, Lyell's own fieldwork and this paper, but in essence and five to overseas affairs. None relates explicitly it is unchanged (Lyell 1847). The importance of to Lyell's uniformitarian programme. They are all Lyell's visits to America in the context of his total papers based on geological fieldwork which lie field experience has recently been demonstrated quite easily alongside those of his less philo- (Dott 1997). sophical colleagues such as R. I. Murchison In sum then, Lyell's Geological Society papers (1792-1871), H. T. De la Beche (1796-1855) and add some depth and supporting detail to the the rest. On closer inspection, however, many of the argument set out in the Principles of Geology, but papers do relate to subsidiary themes covered in the their overall effect is quite small. Principles of Geology, and many contained obser- There was, however, another forum where vations that were added to the ever-developing text Lyell's ideas featured more prominently: the annual of the Principles and Elements of Geology (six presidential address. By tradition the President was edns, 1838-1865). Three papers will serve as given more latitude in dealing with speculative or examples of the ways in which this happened. theoretical issues than were speakers at the In April 1834 Lyell read a paper on the loamy Ordinary General Meetings. So, in his address of deposit called '' in the valley of the Rhine, February 1831, the Revd Professor Adam which was based on fieldwork carried out the Sedgwick, having reviewed the papers read to the previous year. Among the distinctively Lyellian Society through the year, turned his attention to features of the paper are the use made of the Lyell's Principles (Sedgwick 1831, pp. 298-306). modern sediments of the Rhine to deduce the He first gave an account of his own views of the environment of deposition of the loess, and the origin of the Earth as a molten globe and the effects emphasis laid on the considerable geographic of its steadily decreasing temperature through changes that must have taken place since the geological time, before showing how Lyell had deposition of this geologically recent deposit, and misunderstood and 'sometimes violated' these yet with no sign of violence or catastrophe. The basic tenets of geological science. He expressed paper was published in the Society's Proceedings regret that 'in the language of the advocate' Lyell in 1834 (Lyell 1834), and the observations and sometimes forgot the character of the historian. ideas it contained were incorporated into Lyell's Sedgwick made it clear that he accepted the discussion of the Newer in the fourth unchanging nature of the fundamental physical edition of the Principles of Geology (Lyell 1835, laws, but could not believe that 'those secondary vol. 4, p. 29), where it helped to emphasize the combinations' that we call geological processes had Downloaded from http://sp.lyellcollection.org/ by guest on September 26, 2021

THE GEOLOGICAL SOCIETY 19 remained constant throughout time. This was a some length, in his usual spirit of scepticism, thoroughly critical review, given in front of a large attacking the Lyellian theory, with a good deal of and distinguished audience, with no immediate humour, but not much argument' (Lyell 1906, vol. opportunity for any response. Two years later 1, p. 78). Roderick I. Murchison gave a more generous But by March 1838, when Darwin read his paper description of Lyell's second volume (Murchison 'On the connexion of certain volcanic phenomena 1833, pp. 441443), but in 1834 George B. ...', Lyell at least sensed that the tide had turned, for Greenough was critical when he considered the he wrote: question of elevation in relation to ideas put I was much struck with the different tone in forward in the Principles of Geology (Greenough which my gradual causes were treated by all, 1834, pp. 60-70). even including de la B~che, from that which they But even more significant than the presidential experienced in the same room 4 years ago when addresses in bringing Lyell's theoretical ideas Buckland, de la B~che, Sedgwick, Whewell and before the Society were the discussions that some others treated them with as much ridicule followed the reading of papers at the evening as was consistent with politeness in my presence. meetings. These unscripted and spontaneous (Wilson 1972, p. 456) debates set the Geological apart from its fellow societies, where questions were either submitted in This was no final victory of course, as Lyell had advance or not allowed at all. Not only did the geological battles to fight throughout his life. In the Society not publish any record of these discussions, 1850s the reality of progress and progression in the it forbade others from doing so, preferring to fossil record was the hot topic, with Lyell eagerly maintain the myth that science was uncontroversial. looking for evidence that might upset the generally Our sources are therefore contemporary letters and accepted progression from fish (Palaeozoic) to diaries. Although the discussions took many forms, reptile (Mesozoic) to (Cenozoic). A note very often they served to incorporate a factual and in A. C. Ramsay's diary for 19 March 1856 reveals apparently innocuous paper into some lively the significance of a little paper by the Revd Mr contemporary debate, and so to draw out the theo- Dennis, 'On some organic remains from the retical significance of the facts. bone-bed at the base of the Lias at Lyme Regis', in Lyell himself preserved a record of the extended this debate: discussion that followed Dr Turnbull Christie's Dined at the Geological Club & sat between Sir paper 'On certain younger deposits in ' on 2 Phillip & Galton, who is a gentleman of great November 1831, when attention seems to have good humour & small capacity. Jukes was there been focused firmly on his book: as Sir Roderick's guest & Sir Charles Lyell also A paper by Dr. Turnbull Christie, on Sicily, led had another, a country parson who afterwards Murchison to call me up, and I had the field read a paper on some supposed Mammalian much to myself. I told you that a temporary cloud bones from the Lias, & whom Owen regularly came over me in at seeing the 'chewed up' after. While Owen was demolishing controversial storm gathering against me in the the clergyman it was curious to see Lyell horizon; but I must say it was dispelled by this winking and blinking & feeling ashamed of his meeting, for never on the first meeting, after my prot6g6. (Ramsay 1856) first volume appeared, did I hear it so much It would be good to be able to report the discus- spoken of. Fitton declared to the meeting his sions that followed Lyell's own papers, to see to conviction that my theory of wd. what extent they drew out the underlying theo- ultimately prevail .... [Basil Hall] then eulogised retical concerns, but few descriptions have sur- my book, and after the meeting two American vived, and those are not revealing. Lyell was clearly gentlemen came up to be introduced, and poured a disappointing speaker. Ruskin commented that out a most flattering comment on its popularity there was 'too much talking and verbiage' in in the United States; but what was much more to February 1843, while in December 1849 Ramsay the purpose than this sort of incense, they gave him 'so long winded' that he had to leave at me many facts bearing on my theories respecting ten, before the paper was over. part of North America. (Lyell 1881, vol. 1, p. The final forum where Lyell's ideas were 349; Wilson 1972, p. 326) discussed was the Geological Society Dining Club. Greenough attacked Lyell's theories whenever he The Club was an inner circle, where many of the had an opportunity, notably on 18 November 1835, leading fellows met to dine before the Society's after Charles Darwin's paper on 'Geological notes evening meeting. Lyell was a founder member of made [in] South America'. Charles Bunbury wrote the Club in 1824, and regularly attended its dinners. to his father: 'Mr Greenough made a speech of Although the Club's primary purpose was social, Downloaded from http://sp.lyellcollection.org/ by guest on September 26, 2021

20 J. C. THACKRAY geological topics were freely discussed, and Lyell 1827 and 1828. 3 volumes. Cadell & Co, lost no opportunity of making his views known Edinburgh. (Gray 1996). However, as many meetings only LVELL, C. 1834. Observations on the loamy deposit called 'loess' in the valley of the Rhine. Proceedings of the attracted ten or twelve Fellows, any conversations Geological Society of London, 2, 21-22. that did take place had a limited impact on the 1835. Principles of Geology. 4th edn, 4 volumes. fellowship as a whole. Murray, London. Whatever Lyell's own failings as a speaker, it is -- 1839. Remarks on some fossil and recent shells clear that , , the collected by Capt. Bayfield in Canada. Proceedings efficacy of modern causes and all the other things of the Geological Society of London, 3, 119-120. that Lyell held dear were not ignored at the -- 1841. Elements of Geology. 2nd edn. 2 volumes. Geological Society, and that there was a place for Murray, London. the discussion of theoretical issues within its 1842. Memoir on the recession of the Falls of Niagara. Proceedings of the Geological Society of primarily Baconian ethos. These discussions were London, 3, 595-602. not published at the time, either by the Society or 1847. Principles of Geology. 7th edn. Murray, others, but they are crucial to any clear London. understanding of the Society's attitude to theory LVELL, K. M. (ed.) 1881. Life, Letters and Journals of Sir and to the personal and scientific dynamics of the Charles Lyell, Bart. 2 volumes. Murray, London. day. -- 1906. The Life of Sir C. J. E Bunbury Bart., with an Introductory Note by Sir J. Hooker. 2 volumes. Murray, London. References MORRELL, J. B. 1976. London institutions and Lyell's BABBAGE, C. 1830. Reflections on the Decline of Science career. British Journal for the , 9, in England, and on Some of its Causes. B. Fellowes, 132-146. London. MURCHISON, R. I. 1833. Address to the Geological BAKEWELL, R. 1830. On the Falls of Niagara and on Society, delivered on the evening of the 15th of the physical structure of the adjacent country. February 1833. Proceedings of the Geological Magazine of Natural History, 3, 117-130. Society of London, 1,438--464. BURKHARDT, E & SMITH, S. 1985. The Correspondence of RAMSAY, A. C. 1856. Unpublished diary held in the Charles Darwin. University Press, Ramsay papers. Imperial College Archives, Cambridge, vol. 1. London. COOK, E. T. & WEDDERBUY, A (eds) 1909. The Letters of RUDWlCK, M. J. S. 1963. The foundation of the Geological John Ruskin. 2 vols. Allen, London. Society of London: its scheme for co-operative Doa-r, R. H. 1997. Lyell in America - his lectures, field research and its struggle for independence. British work, and mutual influences, 1841-1853. Earth Journal for the History of Science, 1,325-355. Sciences History, 15, 101-140. 1970. The strategy of Lyell's 'Principles of GRAY, D. A. 1996. A Review of the History of the Geology'. Isis, 61, 5-33. Geological Society Dining Club. The Geological SEDGWlCK, A. 1831. Address to the Geological Society, Society Club. delivered on the evening of the 18th of February GREENOUGH, G. B. 1834. Address delivered at the 1831. Proceedings of the Geological Society of anniversary meeting of the Geological Society on London, 1, 281-316. the 21st of February 1834. Proceedings of the WILSON, L. G. 1972. Charles Lyell. The Years to 1841: Geological Society of London, 2, 42-70. The Revolution in Geology. Yale University Press, HALL, B. 1829. Travels in North America in the Years New Haven & London.