3 so On Natural and Moral PhilosopJnj. 



To be more particular, the different cliissc^ 

 of earths, stones and metals, have each their 

 peculiar properties and specific differences ^ and 

 if it be asked, whence they derive these pro- 

 perties, and what has impressed upon them 

 these specific differences, no answer can be 

 given by the Theist, but that the hand of the 

 Universal Creator has for wise purposes so 

 formed and furnished them, nor by th^ Atheist, 

 but that so they are. They both admit a pri- 

 mary and elementary character in each species 

 as a datum. If from combinations of the simple 

 forms, new kinds be produced, the character of 

 these compounds is supposed to be derived from 

 the characters of the component parts. The 

 classes of the vegetable kingdom appear to be 

 much more numerous, and probably from this 

 circumstance such a resemblance is observed in 

 the approximate kinds, as misleads the vulgar 

 eye, and exhibits them as one and the same. 

 But to a careful observer they are essentially 

 distinguished, and each kind propagates its 

 kind, and with the same- properties, though 

 from adventitious causes they may differ in the 

 degree of these properties. The progeny of 

 every kind has unalterably the specific character 

 of its parent, nor ever> under the operation of 

 jiature or man, appears under the specific cha-. 

 racter of another kind, however approximate 



