50 Reflections on some Mineralogical Systems. 
If we view mineralogy only with respect to its applica- 
tion to the useful arts, and particularly to that of the miner, 
we might limit our knowledge to the simple diagnosis of 
minerals, and the most prompt and easy means would be 
the best; but if we conceive it capable of being placed in 
the highest rank, we shall never attain this object but by 
the assistance of knowledge derived from analogous sciences. 
It is by having long confounded specification with diagnosis, 
the philosopher with the miner, that we have not distinctly 
followed the different objects that have been proposed, and 
that. we have not estimated the means employed according 
to their just value. It must indeed be confessed that the 
superiority of Haity’s system over that of Werner is in- 
finitely greater in that part which relates to the establish- 
ment of species, or the philosophy of the science, than in 
the art of knowing minerals. We cannot expect that the 
miner, in exploring the earth, should select the specimens 
which he meets, distinguish them by their geometric figures, 
or seek every direction of the cleavage for the integral mo- 
lecule. He must have more simple and more expeditious 
means: without a great effort of mind he must be able to 
avoid error; and provided that he does not greatly deceive 
himself respecting the contents of the metal which he ex- 
piores, he is allowed to be not very rigorous as to the species 
of the individual. The jeweller may make as many species 
as colours; the weak virtuoso may dispute on the prism of 
emerald, jasper, oriental and occidental stones, &c.; but the 
naturalist should decide rather with certainty than celerity : 
he neither wishes to deceive himself nor diffuse a false 
light on science. He can return to the same object every 
time he pleases, can revise or correct his ideas, remould his 
opinions, diversify their sources, compare them, discuss 
them, and leave his doubts an inheritance to science; for 
his discoveries, and the moments which he has employed in 
hesitation, are precious to truth; while that time, with the 
artist, is an element of expense, and promptitude indemnifies 
him for less perfection. With justice might the latter 
blame the length and difficulty of the researches necessary 
to acquire the indispensable certainty that a mineral belongs 
to such or such a species, according to the principles of 
Haiiy. But when I have heard this objection made by a 
man of learning, who professes mineralogy as a science, [ 
have not been able to conceal my astonishment. ‘* How 
would you do, (said he to me,) when one must pronounce 
en some hundreds of minerals in an hour or two?” To the 
hotanpet, 
