INTRODUCTION. 3 



tigation and description of the created system, take 

 different names according to the different departments 

 of nature which they explore and describe. Cosmo- 

 graphy has for its object the whole machine of the 

 Universe, of which it examines and describes the 

 magnificent and harmonious construction. Of this 

 science astronomy and geography, the former rela- 

 ting to the heavens, and the latter to the earth are the 

 two constituent parts. The profound investigations 

 and extensive range of these sciences, are not suited 

 to our present purpose, and I shall therefore content 

 myself with giving you a very concise sketch of this 

 stupendous structure ; this world in which we live, 

 briefly describing its principal parts and most strik- 

 ing phenomena. You seem 1 ikewise desirous of being 

 acquainted with the most remarkable metals and mi- 

 nerals which the earth contains in its bowels, and af- 

 fords for our use, and request that I would give you 

 some information concerning their properties. I shall 

 endeavour to comply with your wish as briefly as 

 possible, that no time may be lost in leading you to 

 a view of animated nature, which constitutes the prin- 

 cipal object of your enquiry, and that indeed which 

 is the most suitable to your age, as well as the most 

 universally pleasing and interesting. 



With every wish for your happiness 



I am, dear Sir, your's, c. 



J. B, 



LETTER II. 



" These art thy glorious worts, parent of good 



Almighty, thine this universal frame, 



Thus wond'rous fair; thyself how wond'rous then !" 



MILTON. 



DEAR SIR, 



NATURALISTS have divided the whole of created 



things which the earth produces, or supports, into 



three grand departments, to which they have given 



8 2 



