6 ON THE GENERAL OBJECTS OF 



their adaptation to a majority of those phenomena, 

 of which not many have yet been examined with 

 sufficient care. Many theories may be reconcileable 

 with a superficial view of geological phenomena; but 

 the formation of a correct one requires an accurate 

 and an extensive acquaintance with these. Few re- 

 searches are more complicated and arduous ; and there 

 are none, of which the facets are more diversified, more 

 dispersed, and more difficult to disentangle. Nor are 

 there any, of which the causes are more difficult of 

 access, and further removed from the common track 

 of observation and experiment. Yet the general improve- 

 ments of science, and the light which all its branches 

 mutually throw on each other, cannot probably fail, 

 ultimately, to place geological science on a firm and 

 durable foundation. Its very difficulties present the 

 highest inducements which can be offered to an am- 

 bitious mind; and he will have little reason to con- 

 gratulate himself on the results of his industry or 

 acuteness, who, disclaiming the true ends of philoso- 

 phy, is content with the objects that occupy his cabinet, 

 with the discovery or the classification of a rock. 



He whose views are formed in a right spirit, 

 will not rest here. Science requires of him much 

 more. He must be familiar with the wider and greater 

 relations of all the substances in nature ; his duty is 

 to combine a careful study of particular instances with 

 comprehensive general views, to compare the minutest 

 analogies, to contrast the most insensible differences, 

 and to explain obscure or doubtful appearances by 

 others of a clear and decided character. 



He will pursue nature amidst her minutest as among 

 her most gigantic features; exploring her in every 

 variety and gradation of her works, and always reiiiem- 



