Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Palaeontology, Comparative Philology, Lecturing, Belief

    Discusses an abstract of a report of a lecture given at the Museum of Practical Geology by Richard Owen, 'the British Cuvier'. Draws attention to Owen's apparent proof 'beyond controversy' that the British lion existed in 'former times' and that the British unicorn really existed. Thinks this claim will make geology less of a 'melancholy material science' and may lead to 'discoveries demonstrative of the truths of heraldry', including the existence of wyverns and griffins. Argues that the 'remains of the pterodactyle' will confirm nursery tales and legends.