262 On the mutations of Geological nomenclature. 
those of their inferior or primitive order. By théir own 
admissions, the former cannot be studied without a knowl- 
edge of the latter, from whose fragments they are created. 
It is said, that this arrangement exhibits an utter exclu- 
sion of all hypothesis. See Vol. VU. p. 208. 1 would 
ask, how these authors know, that granite, gneiss, &c. 
pass under their superior order ? Surely by the extension 
af an hypothesis, far beyond any which is necessary in the 
Wernerian arrangement. And should this hypothesis be 
abandoned we must expect to be burdened with another 
system. For example, our primitive rocks crop out in the 
Green Mountain range. ‘This new arrangement requires 
for its very existence full confidence in the hypothesis, that 
these rocks pass under those on the shores of Lake Erie, 
three hundred miles west from the place where they are 
visible. Whereas the Wernerian scheme leaves us to be- 
lieve or disbelieve. It is sufficient that we show the series 
of rocks at the surface in that order of succession denom- 
inated primitive, transition and secondary. ‘The objection 
to the Wernerian names, because they suppose a knowl- 
adge of the chronological succession of the three great for- 
mat ons, appears to me most extraordinary. Does not 
every science require revolutionizing upon the same prin- 
ciple ? In truth a large proportion of the words now in use 
must be expunged, if we would retain none which origina- 
ted in hypothesis or unfounded conjecture. The word 
Electricity originated in the opinion, that amber was the 
only substance with which it could be excited. Why do 
we not abolish the names of the constellations, which ori- 
ginated in a Conceit, known even at the time to have no 
foundation in truth? Why do we retain the name corny 
ammonis for a well known petrifaction, which no one now 
believes to be one of the cast off horns of Jupiter ? 
Above all other objections, it appears to me that thjs 
new arrangement would require a different starting point 
in every district. In the Green Mountain range we must 
begin with the last order, which is the first of Werner. 
Near the west line of Massachusetts, with the fourth.—On 
Catskill Mountains, with the third. —Between Utica and 
Genesee River, with the lowest part of the second as we 
have no oolite, &c.—And never definitely with the first, as 
a 
