Introduction to the Study of Mineralogy . 389 



however, I think, very unfortunate for Mr. Farcy himself, 

 that he either does not perceive, or is strangely indisposed 

 to admit, the most obvious effects of water on the surface 

 of the earth. A decisive and very singular proof of this is 

 given in that most extraordinary and unphilosophical con- 

 clusion which he draws on the formation of valleys, and 

 which unquestionably detracts, to an extent which he can- 

 not be aware of, from his other acknowledged merits as an 

 observing naturalist. 



The action of water, fn operating extensive changes on our 

 earth, naturally divides itself into two distinct branches ; 

 those changes which are effected by streams of fresh water 

 running over the surface, and those far more mighty ex- 

 terior and interior changes which the ocean itself has ac- 

 complished, during the submersion of our present continents. 



Were there any probability," Mr. Editor, that these cur- 

 sory remarks of mine could merit a place in your most re- 

 spectable repository of scientific knowledge, 1 would pursue 

 the subject in two subsequent papers on both of these 

 branches; first by investigating, circumstantially, the form- 

 ation of all valleys through which streams are now running, 

 and afterwards adverting to the diversity and magnitude of 

 marine action. I am, sir, 



your most obedient humble servant, 



John Carr. 



Princes Street, Manchester, 

 May 13, 1809. 



LX1X. Introduction to the Study of Mineralogy* By 

 M. Hauy*. 



If the motives which invite us to cultivate a natural science 

 were founded merely upon the interest which certain pro- 

 ductions of themselves inspire, and upon what appears at 

 first sight attractive, zoology and botany would seem to 

 have a preponderance over mineralogy which would attract 

 a greater number of admirers. 



* This is a translation of M. Hauy's Preliminary Discourse to his celebrated 

 Woflt on Mineralogy. 



B b 3 Minerals, 



