of the Mineral Kingdom.” 193 
be of no use but to amuse, to multiply diversity of opinions, and 
to increase ignorance of the real knowledge of nature. 
It is this consideration which induces me to give to the public 
a work the fruit of more than forty years experience and obser- 
vation, to which great opportunities and a mind ardent in re- 
searches of this nature prompted me. How I have executed my 
plan, the public shall judge: but I flatter myself, from the great 
number of facts I have ascertained, and from the many disco- 
veries I have made, that my observations may be productive of 
real use to mankind, by exciting the pursuit of, and giving a 
proper direction to the study of this science, with more pleasure, 
ease, and proficiency than hitherto. 
The knowledge of truth in every branch of science is pleasant 
and profitable ; and it is generally acknowledged, that natural 
history is the most pleasant and profitable of all human studies 
and researches ; and of all the parts of natural history, the mi- 
neral kingdom is the most magnificent and august, provided 
that we study nature herself. 
There is a noble air of grandeur and magnificence in the sec- 
tions of lofty piles of strata, in huge rugged rocks, and hanging 
precipices, in profound caverns, and high and extensive cliffs of 
the sea, not to be found in order objects around us. 
These scenes astonish and captivate the mind at first sight ; 
and the better we are acquainted with them, the more we are 
enraptured with the view of the wonderful and endless variety 
which we discover in these scenes of nature; and habitual ap- 
plication to these researches assimilates the mind by degrees to 
the greatness of the subject. 
Discoveries of truth and attainments of knowledge in these 
researches have the happiest effect on the human mind. In 
pursuing these studies successfully, the mind is elevated, the an- 
derstanding is enlarged and filled with great ideas, and all the 
powers of the soul are exalted and pleased at being able to com- 
prehend somewhat of these great works of God. 
In short, I conclude that there areno human studies so amusing, 
so entertaining, and delightful as these, when the student delights 
in the sequestered scenes of nature. There is such a dignity 
and variety in every part of this subject, that it is impossible for 
a person of any genius and taste to be cloyed with these pur- 
suits. 
Who an possibly weary of endless change, and all either 
astonishingly great, or fantastically grotesque, or beautifully re- 
gular; and I know well, that the more we improve in the know~ 
ledge of these natural scenes, the more we delight in them; and 
therefore, without being a prophet, I will venture to predict, that 
whenever young gentlemen of genius and attention take pleasure 
Vol. 50. No. 233. Sept. 1817. N in 
