INTRODUCTION TO GEOLOGY. 



CHAPTER I. 



Outline of the Work Definition of Geology Vindication of the Science, as 

 a Useful and Practical Pursuit Connexion of Geology with . National 

 and Commercial Prosperity, Mining, the discovery of Coal, Civil En- 



>. 



gineering, Agriculture, Drainage, Artesian Wells, Health and 

 Architecture, the Arts, Literature, Mental Discipline Exercises on the 

 above subjects. 



OUTLINE OF THE WOKK. It may be desirable to state, at 

 the commencement of this volume, the arrangement proposed 

 by the author in its composition, which is, in substance, the 

 same that he has found most eligible- when delivering lectures 

 on the science. The present chapter will comprise a defini- 

 tion of geology ; an endeavour to rescue the study from 

 certain objections and prejudices undeservedly attached to its 

 pursuit ; a vindication of its practical advantages, and proofs 

 of its relation to the wants and utilities of life. The next will 

 afford a brief outline of its history ; and will be followed by 

 others, conveying miscellaneous information in the form of 

 first lessons, together with directions for procuring and de- 

 scribing fossils, forming a collection, and generally cultivating 

 geological inquiries. The succeeding chapters will respec- 

 tively contain an introduction to the auxiliary studies of 

 Mineralogy, Physical Geology, Fossil Botany, and Palaeon- 

 tology. The mind of the student having thus been prepared 

 with an outline of those subjects which are essential to a 

 knowledge of Geology, the remaining pages will be devoted 

 to a concise description of the different geological groups. 





