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In the first place then, by an incredible number of well conducted 

 observations of his own, combined with the best attested facts re- 

 corded by other observers, he has proved, on the principles already 

 pointed out — that whole mountain chains have been elevated at one 

 geological period — that great physical regions have partaken of the 

 same movement at the same time — and that these paroxysms of 

 elevatory force have come into action at many successive periods. 

 Distinguished as are his merits, he so far claims not an undivided 

 honour. But in the next great step of generalization he reaches a 

 position where he stands entirely by himself. 



Step by step we had been advancing towards the conclusion — 

 that different mountain chains had been elevated at several distinct 

 geological periods : and by a long series of independent observa- 

 tions, Humboldt, Von Buch, and other great physical geographers, 

 had proved — that the mountain chains of Europe might be separated 

 into three or four distinct systems ; distinguished from each other, 

 if I may so express myself, by a particular physiognomy, and, above 

 all, by the different angles made by the bearings of their component 

 formations with any assumed meridian. All the subordinate parts 

 of any one system were shown to be parallel; while the different sy- 

 stems were inclined at various angles to each other. 



By an unlooked-for and most felicitous generalization, M. Elie 

 de Beaumont has now proved that these two great classes of facts 

 are commensurate to each other; and that each of these great 

 systems of mountain chains, marked on the map of Europe by given 

 parallel lines of direction, has also a given period of elevation, limit- 

 ed and defined by direct geological observations. The steps by which 

 he reaches this noble generalization are so clear and convincing, 

 as to be little short of physical demonstration. It forms an epoch 

 in the history of our science ; and I am using no terms of exaggera- 

 tion when I say, that in reading the admirable researches of M. de 

 Beaumont I appeared to myself, page after page, to be acquiring a 

 new geological sense, and a new faculty of induction : and I cannot 

 express my feelings of regret, that during my recent visit to the 

 Eastern Alps I did not possess this grand key to the mysteries of 

 nature. 



I am aware how impossible it is in a few words to give any clear 

 notion of a volume of condensed original researches. Dropping 

 all minor details, I may, however, claim your indulgence while 

 I point out the author's manner of induction in four great systems 

 of European chains : not indeed in the wish of quenching the curi- 

 osity of those who have not studied this question, but rather in the 

 hope of urging them to seek the fountain of original information. 



1. The first system includes the higher elevations, in eastern 

 France, of the Cote d'Or and Mont Pilas, and a portion of the Jura 

 chain. It may be traced towards the valley of the Rhine, where it 

 is suddenly cut off; but it reappears in the chain of the Erzgebirge, 

 between Bohemia and Saxony. It never rises into mountains of the 

 first order, but is marked throughout (as may be seen on a good 

 physical map) by many longitudinal ridges and furrows, ranging 

 nearly parallel to each other in a direction about north-east and south- 



