54 



\ 



rock. Such terms easily unite to the general ca- 

 talogue already in use, without inconvenience". 

 To attempt more, in the present state of things, 

 appears injudicious: were it even proper, it could 

 not be carried-into effect without a general sub- 

 mission to some one acknowledged authority 

 1 which does not at present exist. 



It is undeniable however, that in describing 

 geological facts, a renovated and universal cata- 

 logue, could it be formed, would prevent much 

 circumlocution ; and that distinct terms, once de- 

 finitely associate^, each with its particular sub- 

 stance, would ultimately produce greater accu- 

 racy in the examination and description of rocks. 

 But it may be doubted if the inconveniences now 

 attending such a change, would be compensated 

 by any corresponding advantages in the attain^ 

 merit of that great object for which the know- 

 ledge of rocks is chiefly valuable ; namely, the 

 study of geological affinities and analogies ; while 

 it would almost inevitably lead, as it has too often 

 done in the other branches of Natural History, to 

 the substitution of trifling details and catalogues 



