Mr. Farcy's Geological Paper. 337 



sphere of his inquiry, he is certainly indulging in hypo- 

 thetical visions; but when he fairly generalizes, by some 

 common agreement, a multitudinous class of acknowledged 

 phaenomeria, and directly connects them with causes still in 

 operation, he is developing a lucid theory which will en- 

 lighten and improve. 



It is this departure from nature, by an assumption of ex- 

 tinct or imaginary causes, that has induced me to offer the 

 present observations. The closet geologist may be expected 

 V) indulge himself in the creation of hypothetical phantoms; 

 but that he who has had the great and instructive volume of 

 Nature spread out before him, and, page after page, has read, 

 in her indelible and expressive characters, the history of her 

 magnificent transactions, should imagine her present ener- 

 gies unequal to her past performances, and that "others must 

 be sought for in lunar regions, forsooth, is at once matter 

 of surprise and regret. 



I apply this to Mr. Farev, but with the utmost deference 

 for his practical knowledge. In any thing relating to effects 

 which have taken place, and to practical facts resulting from 

 extensive personal observation, he is clear, correct, and in- 

 structive; but the instant he attempts to develop cause, the 

 genuine spirit of philosophy forsakes him, and he becomes 

 bewildered in the unprofitable maze of hypothesis. Mr. Fa^ 

 rev is evidently preparing to add one more inventive system 

 to the many that have already so much retarded the progress 

 of real knowledge, by the introduction of a non-existent 

 satellite at some indefinite time, and from some indefinite re- 

 gionj whose near approach to the earth is to reverse the ac- 

 tion of gravitation, and undulate or distort the upper strata 

 into some or all of their present irregularities. Before 

 further committing himself, it will be well for Mr. Farey to 

 consider whether, by the promulgation of a hypothesis so 

 utterly incongruous with all the present operating laws of 

 Nature, he is not about to sacrifice much of that fair fame 

 Which his practical researches have so deservedly assigned 

 him. 



A system-builder, like a religious or political bigot, is 

 tver a most irritable being, and to prick his favourite bubble 



B b * is 



