43=f 



That Dr. Hution, in inventing the theory called by his name, had 

 any fuch object in view, I by no means infinuate. It would be un- 

 fair to impute to any man motives he does not avow, and illiberal 

 to attack a gentleman, who, having paid the debt of nature, can no 

 longer defend himfelf. And after all, the queftion is purely phyfical j 

 for, whatever Dr. Hufton's motives may have been, if his theory be 

 eftabliQied, we cannot prevent other men's deducing from the propo- 

 fition fuch corollaries as it will fairly bear ; and if it be overturned, 

 all remoter inferences fall with it. 



When I avow my intentions of attacking this fafhionable theory, it 

 will naturally be afked, 



Cur tamen hoc libeat potius decurrere campo, 

 Per quern magnus equos Auruncae flexit alumnus ? 



Why I feleft a topic, upon which the celebrated Mr. Kirwan has 

 difplayed his ability ? — It would be a poor juftification of myfelf to 

 alledge, that after the mofl: ingenious advocates, fomething ftill may 

 remain to be faid ; I make no fuch plea ; a Department is left for 

 me. Dr. Hutton, armed at all points, not content with eltablifliing 

 his theory mod difFufively, a priori, admits that if it be true, it ought 

 to be confirmed by certain fads, and then proceeds to affert that the 

 fails are found exaftly as he foretold ; thus claiming to have proved 

 his theory alfo a pojleriori. 



Now, as I have fpent very many fummers, and flill occafionally 

 refide upon a coafl lined to a great extent by perpendicular preci- 

 pices, often of enormous height, I have had better opportunities than 

 mod people, of examining the order in which nature has arranged 

 her materials, that is, the fiirata of which the fuperficial part of our 

 globe is compofed ; and as Dr. Hutton feems to rely for the fupport 

 of his theory chiefly upon the pofitions of thefe ftrata, and other 

 circumflances attending them, I have often compared his aflertions with 

 the fails, in many places magnificently difplayed before me. 



I will 



