Beit 
262 On the mutations of Geological nomenclature. 
those of their inferior or primitive order. By their own 
admissions, the former cannot be studied without a knowl- 
lieve or disbelieve. It is sufficient that we show the series 
of rocks at the surface in that order of succession denom- 
inated primitive, transition and secondary. The objection 
to the Wernerian names, because they suppose a knowl- 
edge of the chronological suecession of the three great for- 
mations, appears to me most extraordinary. Does not 
every science require revolutionizing upon the same prin- 
ciple ? In truth a large proportion of the words now in use 
must be expunged, if we would retain none which origina- 
ted in hypothesis or unfounded conjecture. The word 
Electricity originated in the opinion, that amber was the 
only substance with which it could be excited. Why 40 
we not abolish the names of the constellations, which orl- 
ginated in a conceit, known even at the time to have no 
foundation in truth ? Wh v 
ammonis for a well known petrifaction, which no one now 
believes to be one of the cast off horns of Jupiter? 
Above all other objections, it appears to me that this 
ld require a different, starting point 
he Green Mountain range we mu 
Near the west line of Massachusetts, with the fourth. —On 
Catskill Mountains, with the third.—Between Utica and 
see River, with the Jowest part of the second as We 
eno oolite, &c.—And never definitely with the first, * 
