Geschichte der Geologie und Paläontologie bis Ende des 19 Jahrhunderts

WHEN the illustrious author of the “Handbuch der Palæontologie” undertook to write this history of geology and palæontology, he entered upon no light task, for special difficulties must attend the labours of any author who, in bringing together material to illustrate completely the rise and development of these wide-embracing sciences, would produce a volume acceptable to professionals and laymen alike. For such a task as this Prof. Zittel, by his wide scholarship and long experience as a teacher, no less than by his acquaintance with an abundant special literature and his proficiency as a linguist, is eminently qualified; and the work before us amply shows those evidences of patience, thoroughness, and indefatigable zeal, which have characterised the previous literary undertakings of its author. Some idea of the labour involved in the preparation of this volume may be gained from the fact that upwards of 2000 authors receive mention in its pages: it may be doubted indeed whether a single writer whose work has had important bearing on the development of geology in its various branches has been overlooked, while many, the significance of whose labours is unquestionably small, are here accorded recognition. As stated in the author's prefatory remarks, the original scope of the work, which was primarily intended to comprise a history of geology in Germany, was subsequently extended, in accordance with the necessity of treating from a wider standpoint the development and progress of a study to the growth of which all civilised nations have contributed. Geschichte der Geologie und Paläontologie bis Ende des 19. Jahrhunderts . Von Karl Alfred v. Zittel. Pp. xi + 868. (München und Leipzig: Druck und Verlag von R. Oldenbourg, 1899.)