Reflections on some Mineralogical Systems. 39 
are surrounded by perpendicular rocks, that sink in that di- 
rection to an almost unfathomable depth in the sea. Be- 
sides, how can we account for that similarity of manners, 
customs, colour, and even language, among the-inhabitants 
of islands so distant, that no mode of navigation they prac- 
tise could ever rade them acquainted, or.to have any com- 
munication with one another? If these islands were thrown 
up from the bottom of the sea, their inhabitants would not 
be thrown up along with them, and all with the same cus- 
toms and language. Now if this immense part of the globe 
was a continent before the deluge, the inhabitants might be 
alike; and if the elevated parts were above the waters, “(a cir- 
cumstance more than probable,) inhabitants might be saved 
upon them, with every circumstance of similarity we now 
find among them; for that revolution is not of so remote 
a date, but remains of antediluvian manners might exist 
at this time.” 
VII. Reflections on some Mineralogical Systems. By R. 
Cuenevix, Esq. F.R.S. and M. -R.I.A., 8c.  Trans- 
lated entire from the French, with Notes by the Trans- 
lator. 
[Continued from vol. xxxvi. p. 361.] 
GERMAN SYSTEM OF NOMENCLATURE. 
IL would become fastidious and almost useless todwell longer 
on the external characters of Werner. We can conceive the 
details into which this philosopher has entered; but to con- 
vey an idea of the minutia with which the Germans think 
it necessary to.treat a subject, I shall give the shortest ex- 
tract possible from 28 pages, in whieh ‘Emmerling speaks of 
nomenciature. IT intend this specimen as a historical and 
characteristic fragment; but I anticipate that the reader 
will dread the tediousness of following me, although I pro- 
pose to favour him with a great part of the original. 
I. Object of the nomenclature (2weck der fossitien benen- 
nungen).—It is necessary in every art or science to have 
words or names to designate the things of which we treat. 
They serve particularly to fix the diflerent concrete ideas, 
to express ourselves intelligibly, and to communicate our 
thoughts. 
II. Different sorts of names (verschiedene arten dersel- 
Hen). .—Of these there are two ; trivial, and systematic. 
A, (Triviallen benennungen), The ivi names are those 
: C4 which. 
