On the nature and origin of the surface or vegetable soil, and its influence on geological phenomena

Abstract

In the year 1683, a Dr Lister asked the Royal Society of England to prepare a map of the soils of England, for the reason that if it were noted how far these extended, and if the limits of each soil appeared on a map, something more might be comprehended than he could possibly foresee, which would make the labour well worth the pains, ‶for I am of opinion,″ said he, ‶such upper soil, if natural, infallibly produces such under minerals, and for the most part in order.″ Geology as a science did not then exist, and strange ideas and theories prevailed among the most enlightened. Instead, however, of the views of Dr Lister being now entertained as to the upper soil producing the underlying minerals, geologists hold to the opinion that the upper soil has been derived from the under minerals. As yet no map has been formed of the upper soils, but the under minerals have been carefully and minutely studied and mapped. I believe that in the Geological Survey as now carried on, more attention is being devoted to the surface covering of the strata. However, the scientific description of the soil and subsoils of this country has yet to be worked out. This neglect of the upper soil and subsoil seems strange, as no portion of the earth is of more importance, and there is none on which the welfare of the human race is more dependent. Several of the great scientific travellers, as Humboldt, Elie