Memoir of William Maclure. 5 



1817, eight years after their reception of the original draft. The 

 amended memoir was now republished, both in the Society's 

 Transactions and in a separate volume, accompanied by a colored 

 map and sections ; and while it placed its author among the first 

 of living geologists, excited a thirst for inquiry and comparison 

 which has continued to extend its influence over every section of 

 our country. 



It is not proposed, in this place, to analyze this valuable contri- 

 bution to American science. It may be sufficient to remark, that 

 every one conversant with geology is surprised at the number 

 and accuracy of Mr. Maclure's observations ; for the many surveys 

 which have been recently conducted in almost every state in the 

 Union, have only tended to confirm his correctness as to the ex- 

 tent and relative position of the leading geological formations of 

 this country ; while the genius and industry which could accom- 

 plish so much, must command the lasting respect and admiration 

 of those who can appreciate the triumphs of science. In the 

 evening of his days Mr. Maclure beheld with unmixed pleasure, 

 the progress of geology in his adopted country : he saw state af- 

 ter state directing geological surveys under the supervision of 

 zealous and able naturalists: he rejoiced to observe how their 

 observations harmonized with his own ; and it was among his 

 most pleasing reflections, as age and infirmity drew near, that he 

 had once trodden almost solitary and unheeded, that path which 

 is now thronged with votaries of science and aspirants for honor. 



In truth, what among temporal considerations is more remark- 

 able and gratifying than the progress which has been made in 

 elucidating the geology of this country during the past thirty 

 years ? So extended a field, so many obstacles, and so little pat- 

 ronage, seemed at first view to present insuperable difficulties ; 

 and it was feared, and not without reason, that while every part 

 of Europe was explored under the patronage of national govern- 

 ments, the vast natural resources of this country would long re- 

 main unsearched and unimproved ; not for the want of zeal and 

 talent, but from a deficiency of that encouragement which is ne- 

 cessary to great and persevering exertion. Happily, however, the 

 day of doubt has passed ; and our state governments now vie with 

 each other in revealing those buried treasures which minister so 

 largely to the wealth, the comfort and the intelligence of man. 

 • The time which Mr. Maclure allotted to repose from his geo-* 

 logical pursuits was chiefly passed in Philadelphia; where he 



