Page:The Geologist, volume 5.djvu/139

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REVIEWS.
115

he strives to demonstrate that the volcanological theories of modern geologists were anticipated by the early Greek authors. This work is entirely written in the Greek language, with which Dr. Schrarcz seems more familiar, we fear, than many of our most fervent labourers in Geology. "The theory of Progressive Development was warmly adopted and sustained by nearly all the ancient naturalists." This is consolatory to those who believe with Professor De Morgan that "for a science to become respectable, it is necessary that it should be founded by somebody whom nobody ever heard of, and whose works nobody has ever read." It is impossible, however, that the classical writers could have been possessed of the fundamental truths of geology by any other method than an à priori guess. We are positively afraid that if Dr. Schvarcz demonstrates that our progressive development theories are due to the comprehensive generalizations of Empedocles, some of the less philosophical hypotheses of the nineteenth century may also claim classical descent, and we cannot forget that Mr. Gosse's 'Omphalos' was anticipated in the time of the author of 'Hudibras.' However this may be, we cannot fail to render justice to the classical and geological acquirements of Dr. Schvarcz. He writes upon a subject "nemine antea trito solo," and with the exception of the late Professor Lassault, and Englishmen are now proud to add Sir George Cornewall Lewis, no writer has hitherto ventured to discuss questions fraught with such deep interest to the geologist, paleontologist, antiquarian, and classicist. We cannot forbear remarking that the beauty of the paper and typography of these voluminous Hungarian works, might do credit to nations more familiar with scientific requirements.

On the Tenby Bone Caves. By a Pembrokeshire Rector.
London : Kent & Co.

A small unpretentious pamphlet, containing a great many valuable facts and suggestions, as the following extracts will show:—

"Among all the wonders that the prevailing study of the earth's construction has brought to light, there is not one more striking than the presence here in England of great quantities of the bones of wild animals, known to inhabit tropical regions, which are found collected together in certain natural caves.

"At Tenby the fact appears in its most striking aspect; for such caves occur, and such bones have been obtained from them in Caldy Island. Now to suppose that herds of elephants, and hippopotami, and families of lions, tigers, and hyænas, could have lived and been sustained on a small island which is all but a mass of solid rock, is as impossible to imagine as that all the human inhabitants of the earth should find room to dwell there together.

"Be the answer what it may, here, beyond all doubt, are the bones of these creatures, taken from certain caves in Caldy Island, and in the mainland; some from 'the Oyle,' on a spur of the Ridgeway; and quantities from caves in Gower, and elsewhere. No less than 1100 horns of deer, mostly shed horns, have been lately exhumed from one cave in Gower only.

"The first of these caves . . . was discovered about twenty years ago by the quarrymen in blasting the cliff overhanging the sea on the north face of the island. It had no external opening at that time apparent. The walls were vertical, or nearly so; the strata being . . . perpendicular to the plane of the horizon. This cave was formed by a portion of the stratum, of considerable thickness, having disappeared at the place. Both the walls