xX PREFACE. 
knowledge on this subject is the only adequate remedy for 
either evil. 
“Our geology, also, presents a most interesting field of inquiry. 
A grand outline has recently been drawn by Mr. Maclure, with a 
masterly hand, and with a vast extent of personal observation and 
labor: but to fill up the detail, both observation and labor still 
more extensive are demanded ; nor can the object be effected till 
more good geologists are formed, and distributed over our exten- 
sive territory. 
“To account for the formation and changes of our globe, by 
excursions of the imagination, often splendid and imposing, but 
usually visionary, and almost always baseless, was, till within 
half a century, the business of geological speculations; but this 
research has now assumed a more sober character; the science 
of geology has been reared upon numerous and accurate observa- 
tions of facts ; and standing thus upon the basis of induction, it 
is entitled to a rank among those sciences which Lord Bacon’s 
Philosophy has contributed to create. 
“The outlines of American geology appear to be particularly 
grand, simple, and instructive; and a knowledge of the impor- 
tant facts, and general principles of this science, is of vast prac- 
tical use, as regards the interests of agriculture, and the research 
for useful minerals. Geological and mineralogical descriptions, 
and maps of particular states and districts, are very much needed 
in the United States; and to excite a spirit to furnish them will 
form one leading object of the contemplated journal. 
“The science of natural philosophy, with its powerful auxilia- 
ry mathematics, and the science of chemistry, the twin sister of 
natural philosophy, are of incalculable importance to this coun- 
try. A volume would not suffice to trace their applications, and 
to enumerate the instances of their utility. 
“As one which may be allowed to stand, instar omnium, we 
may mention the steam engine; that legitimate child of physical 
and chemical science—at once more powerful than the united 
force of the strongest and largest animals, and more manageable 
than the smallest and gentlest; raising from the bowels of the 
earth the massy treasures of its mines, drawing up rivers from 
their channels, and pouring them, in streams of life, into the 
