Geological Inquiries, 421 



tion of the plates was exposed to the atmosphere, and conse- 

 quently their action was too powerful for patients to endure. 

 This fact may perhaps suggest the propriety of constructing 

 Galvanic batteries in a manner not hitherto attempted, if not 

 for chemical at least for medical purposes. It is indeed un- 

 questionable that we are still nnatquaiuted with many of the 

 operations and powers of galvanism, and their relations to elec- 

 trical pheenomena ; and a modification of the apparatus so as to 

 present a greater surface to the atmosphere, in the same manner 

 as it is necessary to connect an electrical machine with the earth, 

 may periiaps contribute to augment the powers of this extraor- 

 dinary implement of philosophical research. From a few ex- 

 periments, which however were not sufficiently numerous to war- 

 rant a legitimate deduction, it appears probable tViat broad plates 

 might be used to galvanize patients without blistering the parts 

 so rapidly or exciting so much pain. 



A. B. 



XCVIII. Geological Inqidries, proposed by the Geological 

 Society. 



Introduction . 



VTEOLOGY relates to the knowledge of the system of our earth, 

 of the arrangements of its solid, fluid, and aeriform parts, their 

 nnitual agencies, and the laws of their changes. 



In this point of view, it is necessarily connected with many 

 branches of Natural Science, but it is more particularly depend- 

 ent upon Mineralogy, which distinguishes the species of inorganic 

 bodies ; and Ujion Chemistry, which investigates the intimate 

 nature of matter and its hidden pro))erties. 



Geology in its comprehensive sense is consequently a sublime 

 and difficult science; but fortunately for its progress it is sus- 

 ceptible of division into many different departments, several of 

 which are capable of being extended by mere observation. 



The knowledge of the general and grand arrangements of 

 Nature must be collected from a number of particular and mi- 

 nute instances, and on this ground the slightest information re- 

 lating to the structure of the earth is to be regarded as of some 

 importance. — To reduce Geology to a system demands a total 

 devotion of time, and an acquaintance with almost every branch 

 of experimental and general Science, and can be performed only 

 by philosophers ; but the facts necessary to this great end may 

 be collected without much labour, and by persons attached to 

 various pursuits and occupations ; the princi|>al requisites being 

 minute observation and faithful record.— The Mincf, theQuarrier, 

 D d .*i the 



