meantime, surely I may presume that you begin to perceive, that 

 this part of natural history possesses importance sufficient, to claim 

 a very considerable degree of attention. To confirm you in this 

 opinion, I must add, that by these studies a more perfect knowledge 

 is gained of the structure of this globe, of its ancient state, and, of 

 the various and important changes it has suffered. 



By widening the views of the natural philosopher ; by opening to 

 him, fresh fields of observation ; and, by showing him a glimpse of 

 other creations ; more just, and more grand sentiments, also must 

 be excited, of the immensity of animated nature, and of the power 

 of the great Creator of all things. 



In pursuing these investigations, I shall, in general, adopt the 

 following order. The fossil, in its present state, will be carefully 

 described ; and, whenever it can be done, the situation in which it 

 is found will be pointed out ; its original mode of existence, and 

 the various properties which, by analogy, may be supposed to have 

 characterised it in its living state, will be inquired into ; and the se- 

 veral changes which it has undergone, both in its composition and 

 its structure, will be carefully examined. 



The wonderful changes of situation, which the various objects of 

 investigation will be found to have undergone, will necessarily 

 demand an assiduous inquiry. The endeavour to furnish some sa- 

 tisfaction on this abstruse and interesting subject, will be reserved, 

 as much as may be, for the concluding part of our inquiries. This 

 place it will occupy, with the most propriety ; since the several facts 

 and observations, detailed in the preceding part, will furnish some 

 of the data, which may serve as the foundation for the reasonings, 

 and conjectures to be advanced there. It is proper, however, in this 

 place, to remark, that, on this subject, but little positive knowledge 

 can be acquired ; and that even after the most assiduous inquiry, 

 the mind must be satisfied with forming probable conjectures. In- 

 deed, the attempt to account for the astonishing appearances, 



