On the Fossil Ichtyology of the Yorkshire Coal Field

Abstract

Mr. T. P. Teale, F.L.S., then read his paper “On the Fossil Ichthyology of the Yorkshire Coal Field.” He began by saying that the title of the West-Riding Geological and Polytechnic Society sufficiently explained its principal objects, namely, Theoretical Geology and Practical Mining. The former, the science which investigates the laws whereby were regulated the original deposition and the subsequent disturbances of the stratified rocks; the latter, the art which renders available to man the stores of mineral treasure provided by an all-wise and beneficent Creator for alleviating the wants and for ministering to the comforts of his creatures. These two departments, although often separately pursued, are nevertheless capable of being rendered mutually subservient to each other’s advancement. Thus, whilst the daily labours of the miner are disclosing new facts upon which the geologist builds his theories, the generalizations of the geologist direct the proceedings of the miner, and save the enormous waste of time and capital which has so repeatedly attended mining efforts when unaided by the the light of geological science. Within the sphere of the Society’s operations, there are few objects of greater practical importance than the identification of strata. It was formerly imagined that the valuable beds of coal worked at Middleton, Haigh Moor, and Lofthouse, in this neighbourhood, were identical; but it has now been demonstrated, by means of this Society, that the main-coal of Middleton is not identical with that of Haigh Moor and Lofthouse. But he understood that all are not yet agreed ...