British Geological Societies

Abstract

THE deep attraction which the study of the earth possesses for dwellers in our islands is shown by the existence of local geological societies, in addition to the numerous bodies devoted to natural history. While to many workers “the Geological Society” means that founded in London in 1807, and worthily commemorated in the “History” written by the late H. B. Woodward, we must remember that associations with similar objects exist in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Manchester, and Liverpool. The Geological Society of Dublin issued its first publication in 1838, and its last in 1889, after it had become the Royal Geological Society of Ireland. There is no doubt that a knowledge of the aims of geology was more generally diffused in Ireland during the fifty years of its existence than is the case at the present day. Though the publication of researches outside London is naturally regretted by dwellers in the capital, a proper system of exchange and distribution after all renders reference easy. The index of geological literature, published annually by the Geological Society of London, now makes the place of publication unimportant. The recognition of other cities as centres of research requires a certain magnanimity, but is in itself, a stimulus to cultured minds throughout the country. The claims, moreover, on the resources of metropolitan societies enable the publications of smaller bodies to 1 compete successfully as regards style of issue and illustration.