Dictionary of National Biography, 1885-1900/Saull, William Devonshire
SAULL, WILLIAM DEVONSHIRE (1784–1855), geologist, was born in 1784, and was in business at 15 Aldersgate Street, London, which also was his residence. He accumulated there a large geological collection, together with some antiquities, most of the latter having been found in the metropolis (cf. Timbs, Curiosities of London, p. 600, 2nd edit.). He was elected F.G.S. in 1831, and F.S.A. in 1841; he was also F.R.A.S., and a member of other societies, including the Société Géologique de France. He read papers to the Geological Society in 1849, and to the Society of Antiquaries in 1841, 1842, and 1844; but they were not printed, for he was more enthusiastic than learned. His essays (a) on the coincidence of, and (b) on the connection between, ‘Astronomical and Geological Phenomena’ (published in 1836 and 1853 respectively) indicate the peculiarity of his opinions. He also republished—adding a preface—‘An Essay on the Astronomical and Physical Causes of Geological Changes,’ by Sir Richard Phillips [q. v.], attacking Newton's theories of gravitation. It was answered by Sampson Arnold Mackey in a ‘Lecture on Astronomy,’ 1832. He died on 26 April 1855.
[Obituary notice in Gent. Mag. 1855, ii. 102.]