I.—The Centenary of The Geological Society of London

Extract

In January last we referred to the celebrations in honour of this important event.1 We have now the pleasure to call attention to the “History of the Geological Society of London,”2 a work which has been written by Mr. Horace B. Woodward, F.K.S., F.G.S., in commemoration of the Centenary. Mr. Woodward has had the help of Mr. H. W. Monckton, Treasurer, who has described the Medals of the Society, Mr. E. S. Herries, M.A., V.P., who supplies a correct version of the Charter, and Professor E. J. Garwood, M.A., Secretary, who undertook to deal with illustrations. Sir A. Geikie, K.C.B., President, Professor Watts, F.K.S., Secretary, Professor Bonney, F.R.S., and Dr. H. Woodward have assisted by reading the proofs, but they are “not responsible for any individual statements” except where expressly acknowledged. These and other persons are duly thanked for the help afforded.

The result of Mr. Woodward' laborious researches has been the production of a book of the greatest possible interest, and one which should be read, not merely by the Fellows of the Geological Society, but by all geologists interested in the history of their science. It is a record of first-class importance, and is, on the whole, a fair and accurate account of the events which have occurred in theGeological Society up to 1860, for the later years are perhaps too fresh in the memories of many to allow of that pleasing view obtained by distance.

Opening with a rapid sketch of the histories of academies and learned societies before 1800 and a note on early geological researches in England, the author refers to the Askesian Society, which, founded in 1796, became the parent of the British Mineralogical Society in 1799.