394. There was, however, but little reason to connect the name of De Saussure with this or any other theory of glaciers. Incessantly occupied in observations of another kind, this celebrated man devoted very little time or thought to the question of glacier motion. What he has written upon the subject reads less like the elaboration of a theory than the expression of an opinion. § 59. _Plastic Theory._ 395. By none of these writers is the property of viscosity or plasticity ascribed to glacier ice; the appearances of many glaciers are, however, so suggestive of this idea that we may be sure it would have found more frequent expression, were it not in such apparent contradiction with our every-day experience of ice. 396. Still the idea found its advocates. In a little book, published in 1773, and entitled "Picturesque Journey to the Glaciers of Savoy," Bordier of Geneva wrote thus:--"It is now time to look at all these objects with the eyes of reason; to study, in the first place, the position and the progression of glaciers, and to seek the solution of their principal phenomena. At the first aspect of the ice-mountains an observation presents itself, which appears sufficient to explain all. It is that the entire mass of ice is connected together, and presses from above downwards after the manner of fluids. Let us then regard the ice, not as a mass entirely rigid and immobile, but as a heap of coagulated matter, or as softened wax, flexible and ductile to a certain point."[F] Here probably for the first time the quality of plasticity is ascribed to the ice of glaciers. [F] I am indebted to my distinguished friend Prof. Studer of Berne for directing my attention to Bordier's book, and to my friends at the British Museum for the great trouble they have taken to find it for me. 397. To us, familiar with the aspect of the glaciers, it must seem strange that this idea once expressed did not at once receive recognition and development. But in those early days explorers were few, and the "Picturesque Journey" probably but little known, so that the notion of plasticity lay dormant for more than half a century. But Bordier was at length succeeded by a man of far greater scientific grasp and insight than himself. This was Rendu, a Catholic priest and canon when he wrote, and afterwards Bishop of Annecy. In 1841 Rendu laid before the Royal Academy of Sciences of Savoy his "Theory of the Glaciers of Savoy," a contribution for ever memorable in relation to this subject.[G] [G] "Memoirs of the Academy," vol. x.