minute details scattered over scores of volumes. But I will look over
Book III. again. What a quantity of work you have in hand! I almost wish
you could have finished America, and thus have allowed yourself rather
more time for the old "Principles"; and I am quite surprised that you
could possibly have worked your own new matter in within six weeks. Your
intention of being in Southampton will much strengthen mine, and I shall
be very glad to hear some of your American Geology news.
LETTER 558. TO L. HORNER. Down, Sunday [January 1847].
Your most agreeable praise of my book is enough to turn my head; I am
really surprised at it, but shall swallow it with very much gusto...
(558/1. "Geological Observations in S. America," London, 1846.)
E. de Beaumont measured the inclination with a sextant and artificial
horizon, just as you take the height of the sun for latitude.
With respect to my Journal, I think the sketches in the second edition
(558/2. "Journal of Researches into the Natural History and Geology of
the Countries visited during the Voyage of H.M.S. 'Beagle.'" Edition II.
London, 1845.) are pretty accurate; but in the first they are not so,
for I foolishly trusted to my memory, and was much annoyed to find how
hasty and inaccurate many of my remarks were, when I went over my huge
pile of descriptions of each locality.
If ever you meet anyone circumstanced as I was, advise him not, on any
account, to give any sketches until his materials are fully worked out.
What labour you must be undergoing now; I have wondered at your patience
in having written to me two such long notes. How glad Mrs. Horner will
be when your address is completed. (558/3. Anniversary Address of the
President ("Quart. Journ. Geol. Soc." Volume III., page xxii, 1847).) I
must say that I am much pleased that you will notice my volume in your
address, for former Presidents took no notice of my two former volumes.
I am exceedingly glad that Bunbury is going on well.
LETTER 559. TO C. LYELL. Down, July 3rd [1849].
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account