Book Description

Excerpt from Sparks From a Geologist's Hammer The present work consists of descriptions, essays and discussions on such themes as may be conceived suited to occupy the attention of a geologist who tries to contemplate his vocation in the whole breadth of its relations. The themes range from descriptive and literary to scientific, historical and philosophic, while the style of their treatment is intended to suit the general reader. They present the results of some of the collateral and recreative occupations of science, rather than of its most serious and characteristic efforts, and should possess, therefore, a general interest. The scientist on his vacation becomes very much like other people. He feels, thinks, imagines, and enjoys, only with an intenser action in consequence of penetrating a little deeper into the nature, relations and significance of things around him. In the intervals of his serious work his attention is engaged by the subjects which interest other men; and if his intelligence is many-sided, he must feel that he has something to say on many topics. His scientific habits, acquired under the rigorous exactions of his profession, confer upon him a peculiar aptitude for observation, and a safe facility in reaching conclusions. For many reasons, indeed, it is desirable that men engaged in science should turn their attention frequently to the subjects which interest their fellow scientists and fellow men. Such a course will save them personally from entertaining narrow views of the world. About the Publisher Forgotten Books publishes hundreds of thousands of rare and classic books. Find more at www.forgottenbooks.com This book is a reproduction of an important historical work. Forgotten Books uses state-of-the-art technology to digitally reconstruct the work, preserving the original format whilst repairing imperfections present in the aged copy. In rare cases, an imperfection in the original, such as a blemish or missing page, may be replicated in our edition. We do, however, repair the vast majority of imperfections successfully; any imperfections that remain are intentionally left to preserve the state of such historical works.