The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1871-10-24
Q 81 T U A r Y.
Sir Roderick Impey Murchison.

Sir ROderick Impey Murchison.
Science has lost one Of its most devoted followers
by the death OF Sir Roderick lmpey Murchison,
President OF the Royal Geographical Society Of
Great Britain, whose demise Is reported by tee-
graph His was varied and eventfu life. Edu-
Gated at the NARROW Military College, he received
commission in 1907 in the Thirty sixth regiment OF
the nne and took part with his regiment in
the Penlnsular campaigns. Having served for
some time with distinction In the line ne
received an appointment on the stan OF his uncle,
Sir Alexander Mackenzie, in Sicily. While In
Spain he participated in the battle OF vmelra and
was present at the celebrated retreat Of Sir John
Moore On his marriage, in 1915 with the daughter
OF General Hugouin he resolved on abandoning the
profession OF arms, and retired to the Continent
with his wife. where he gave his leisure the study
Of geology, to which he was passionately at
tached. 1t was not, however, until 1922 that
he devoted himself entirely to the pursuit
OF science, under the advice of Sir Hum
phry Davy. Placing himself under the
direction OF Lyel he selected geology his avorie
study, and, after very severe preparatory dis
cipline, commenced a series OF scientific explora-
tons, which were attended with marked succ ess
and resulted in discoveries OF great scientific value.
In 1888 he published q work the Slurian syst EN-,
in winch he developed some new theories on the
older sedimentary deposits IN England and Wales.
his book attracted considerable attention az the
time oil It's publication, ana has since been garded
as standard authority. His attention was not
e 70 m Gega a IN the q ms Sng Ire
Northern Italy, the Auvergne district Vi France, the
Eastern Alps and many portions OF Northern
Europe, including Poland the CarpathlaD range
and the paleozoic rocks OF Scandinavia. During his
northern expedition he made survey OF Russia
Tor which ne was made Knight OF the Russian order
Oh ST. Anne. On the appearance of his geology Of
Russia the Emperor ordered 1t TO be translated into
the Russian language and conferred on the author
the Grand Cross OF the order Of ST. Stanilaus, an
work fully justified. Among his most important
discoveries must be placed his demonstration Oh the
existence OF distinct gnelssic masses on the north
OF Scotland. His observations on the Ural Noun
utmost value IN the DEVELOPMENT OF their mineral
resources. Sir Roderick contributed constantly to
the scleaIhc periodicals III the intervals OF his
more serious labors, and never ceased TO take
warm interest IN the popularlZaton OF science
lie took an active part in the organization OF the
In 1916 ne was elected President and continued to
hold this honorable position to the time Of his DEATH
The inhrmltles oil age IN later years prevented his
active cooperation IN scientific research, and he
principally appeared before the public as the friend
OF DIR. Livingstone, In whose explorations IN
Africa he was deeply interested. Among the
most dillgent investigators OF his time Sir
Roderick delighted 10 overcome obstacles which
would have d1sheartened men less devoted To tho
interest OF science. SO long doubt existed his
until the problem was satisfactorily solved. lie
OF conscientious labor has gwen to the scientific
world many useful discoveries and novel specula
tons, which Will profit the student In the path OF
science. Sir Roderick had reached the very ripe
age OF seventy nine years, and at the time OF Ills
death was Director General OF the Geological Sur
vey Of Great Britain, and Director OF the Metropoli
tan School of Science IN Mining and Arts.