J9 Outlines of Geology* 



vote some lectures to the structure, position, contents, and theo- 

 ries of metallic veins; to a general account of the relative 

 durability of rocks and mountains ; and to an examination of the 

 causes which are tending to their disintegration and decay — 

 connected with this subject is the nature and formation of soils, 

 and some other topics, which may prove of general use and 

 interest. 



I shall conclude my course with some observations connected 

 with the causes and effects of volcanic fires, with the phenomena 

 of earthquakes and boiling fountains, and with some remarks 

 relating to other limited phenomena, as far as they tend to eluci- 

 date or explain any mysteries and difficulties which we may have 

 met with in our previous inquiries. 



Hastily as we have now gone over the subjects of geological 

 research, I shall consider my intention in this introductory dis- 

 course as amply attained, if I have convinced you that it is no 

 unworthy or unimportant branch of science ; but that, on the con- 

 trary, it embraces enticing, useful, dignified, and even sublime 

 materials of discussion and instruction. 



It surely concerns us all to know something of the ground we 

 tread upon, of the country we inhabit, and of the sources, and 

 natural association of the infinitely-varied products, with which 

 the mineral world assuages our wants, increases our comforts, and 

 multiplies the luxuries of life. 



To the traveller, geology opens, as it were, a new creation ; in 

 connexion with geography, it discloses what may be termed the 

 physiognomy of the earth ; thus clothing a barren country with 

 numerous objects of interest, and giving a new zest to those pleas- 

 ing emotions of the mind with which we behold the fertile land- 

 scape and fruitful plain ; and to those more exalted sensations 

 which are created by the majestic features of a rocky and moun- 

 tainous district. 



Finally, in displaying to us, as it does, in characters most un- 

 equivocal, the great and awful revolutions which this earth has 

 suffered, it gives rise to a salutary reminiscence of those which 

 yet may come ; it shows us upon what slight foundations the prc« 



