Page:Biographies of Scientific Men.djvu/151

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LYELL
113

from Derbyshire (and twenty paces from the grave of Darwin) bears a lengthy inscription detailing his labours. Near the grave there is a marble bust to his memory.

As an epoch-maker, Sir Charles Lyell had to pass through the fire of hostile criticism. He knew, however, that he had discovered truth, as interpreted by Nature's book—the rocks—and that he could with equanimity listen to the babble of little minds. Moreover, he was entirely free from vanity, egotism, and jealousy—in fact, a true philosopher and gentleman, with kind feelings and appreciation for the work of others. Science owes much to Lyell, and for centuries to come, yea for all time, he will receive the homage of posterity.