324 INTRODUCTION. 



rich in original and scientific intelligence. This per- 

 formance is the more valuable, inasmuch as the able 

 and discerning author went extensively over the coun- 

 try and examined its geognostic condition with his own 

 eyes. He had the satisfaction of seeing them publish - 

 ed in the Transactions of the American Philosophical 

 Society. He afterwards laid them before the learned 

 world, in French at Paris. And he has, very lately, publish- 

 ed a new and improved edition in the United States. I 

 agree with that gentleman (p. 26.) in his Observations 

 on the Geology of the United States, &c. that "the shells 

 and other remains of organized matter, have not been 

 examined with that accuracy necessary to form just con- 

 clusions. The notice he takes of such reliquiae in p. 27. 

 54, 55, and other parts of his work, show the importance 

 he attaches to them. 



Among the early promoters of mineralogical inquiry, 

 Archibald Bruce, M. D. deserves to be remembered. 

 The four numbers of his Mineralogical Journal, contain 

 so much new and interesting matter, that a sentiment of 

 universal regret prevails on account of its discontinuance. 

 His lectures and his museum prove his successful exer- 

 tions. 



Mineralogy owes much to the enterprising spirit of 

 Col. George Gibbs. By a happy concurrence of fortune 

 with inclination, this gentleman has enriched his country 

 with extensive and splendid collections from transatlan- 

 tic countries. While New-Haven extols his munificence, 

 his friends in New- York have received his promise that 

 something worthy of himself arid of the science, should 

 be done for their institution. His example has gained 

 him fame and followers. It is charming to observe in 

 tfee young gentlemen who have studied at Yale College, 



