DEFINITION AND USES 



GEOLOGY. 



Definition of Geology, — Geology is the study of 

 the rocks, and all earthy and mineral properties, 

 that form the crust of the globe, which man and 

 his cotemporaries now inhabit ; of all the apparent, 

 past changes it has undergone by volcanoes, floods, 

 earthquakes, and other lesser causes, such as heat 

 and cold, the wear and tear of its surface, by rains 

 or any thing else, which alters, or occasions a dis- 

 placement of any of its materials. 



Uses of Geology. — The knowledge of Geology 

 seems to be requisite in all states and pursuits of 

 life. The artisan and the mechanic, are benefited 

 by the mineral products of the earth ; without Iron 

 alone, (the rusty king of all metals,) man could not 

 exist in a civilized state, for, from the weighty 

 hammer and the delicate needle comes most of the 

 power, that man possesses in the mechanical arts. 

 The agriculturist is assisted by a knowledge of the 

 rocks, which compose the base of the material of 



