adhei-ence to his conclusion. I~Ia<I Dr. Hamilton forgotten^ 

 that the only proof ever given, of the igneous origin of 

 basalt prisms, was, that they were found in actual cuiTcnts of 

 lava ? Admit the validity of his arguments, that they could 

 not have been so formed ; and the question, whether basalt 

 Avas once fluid lava? is to be taken up, de novo, not having 

 as yet advanced a single step : for the aptitude of the new 

 laboratories, which the advocates for this theory have dis- 

 covered, proves nothing; unless they can also shew, that 

 they have been actually employed, in the fabrication of 

 such pillars and prisms. 



Dr. Hamilton seems Avell aware of the necessity of this 

 species of proof; and promises it to his readers, provided 

 they will have patience: but, he says, " we must wait, 

 " until those volcanic mountains, which, at present, burn 

 " with so much fury, shall have completed the period of 

 " their existence; until the immense vaults, which now lie 

 " within their bowels, no longer able to support the incum- 

 " bent weight, shall fall in, and disclose, to view, the won- 

 " ders of the suVjten-anean world : and then we may expect 

 " to behold, all the varieties of crystallization; such as must 

 " needs take place, in these vast lalwratories of nature: 

 " then may we hope to see banks and causeways of basalts." 



I am sorry Dr. Hamilton has put off, to such a remote 

 period, a proof, which would have effectually decided the 

 question in his own favour. Many naturalists, who now 

 take an interest in it, may happen to complete the period 

 of their own existence, before they are favoured with such 



perfect 



