islands in the sea at a comparatively late period, or when these living molluscs were flourishing.” The researches of Lyell and Dawson in Nova Scotia have been noticed, and it is interesting to know that they were rewarded by the discovery of an air-breathing mollusc, and of several small amphibians of the age of the coal period, in the hollow of a stump of a tree, which dated back to that very ancient time. After the death of his friend Murchison, although the effects of age and a life of hard study were not unfelt, Lyell followed with great care the researches of Dr. Hicks relating to the oldest rocks of England. Lyell was intensely interested at the discovery of highly organized invertebrate animals in sandstones and shales, which hitherto had only yielded some doubtful worm tracks and impressions of plants, and he recognized the truth that no evidences of the beginning of living things were presented to the geologist. The researches of Carpenter, Thomson, and Agassiz concerning the natural philosophy and natural history of the deep sea were gratefully acknowledged by Lyell, as most important contributions to science, and the author of this memoir has a lively remembrance of Sir Charles’s intense excitement when the news first came that the sea was very cold at great depths. Years passed on, and honours came to the hard-working, truth-loving man. He was elected president of the British Association, and was made a baronet. His sight began to fail, and it was a constant anxiety to many who saw him about London, to witness his constant exposure to danger. Availing himself of an excellent secretary, he still corresponded largely, and attended scientific meetings. But the end was at hand, and he lost his well-loved wife and then his brother. Dying from the results of a fall, Lyell was buried in Westminster Abbey, as a representative man of science. He was a brilliant example of a man who sought out truth, and braved public opinion for its sake, and who enlightened the world, caring little for ease and luxury, and assisting every fellow-labourer in the great science of geology. [Illustration] FOOTNOTES [1] The greater part of this memoir is taken from Miss Brightwell’s “Life of Linnæus.” Van Voorst. [2] Terebratulæ. [3] A large Echinite (_Clypeus sinuatus_ of Leske), not unfrequently employed as a “pound-weight” by the dairywomen. [4] Named from its frequent use in the construction of ovens. [5] Written by his biographer. [6] Address to the Geological Society, at the Anniversary Meeting, Feb. 18, 1831, by the President, the Rev. Adam Sedgwick, M.A., F.R.S., etc. PRINTED BY WILLIAM CLOWES AND SONS, LIMITED, LONDON AND BECCLES. [Illustration] PUBLICATIONS OF THE Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge. _Most of these Works may be had in Ornamental Bindings, with Gilt Edges, at a small extra charge._ _s._ _d._