As we arrive at the beginning of the nineteenth century, science is becoming irresistible in this field.
Blumenbach, Von Buch, and Schlotheim led the way, but most important on the Continent was the work of Cuvier.

In the early years of the present century his researches among fossils began to throw new light into the whole subject of geology.

He was, indeed, very conservative, and even more wary and diplomatic; seeming, like Voltaire, to feel that "among wolves one must howl a little." It was a time of reaction.

Napoleon had made peace with the Church, and to disturb that peace was akin to treason.

By large but vague concessions Cuvier kept the theologians satisfied, while he undermined their strongest fortress.