392 Memoir of William Maclure. 



ful to the progress of civilization — why the substances over 

 which they have been daily stumbling, and without whose 

 aid they could not exercise any one art or profession, should 

 be the last to occupy their attention — is one of those pro- 

 blems perhaps only to be solved by an analysis of the na- 

 ture and origin of the power of the few over the many." 



Notwithstanding that Mr. Maclure thus felt himself almost 

 alone in his pursuits in this country, he did not relax his 

 ardour in the cause of science, but continued to extend and 

 complete his Geological survey ; which, after receiving his 

 final revisions, was again presented to the Philosophical 

 Society on the 16th of May, 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 coloured map and sec- 

 tions ; and while it placed its author among the first of liv- 

 ing Geologists, excited a thirst for inquiry and comparison 

 which has continued to extend its influence over every sec- 

 tion of our country. 



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

 contribution 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 con- 

 firm his correctness as to the extent and relative position of 

 the leading Geological formations of this country ; while the 

 genius and industry which could accomplish 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 

 after State directing Geological surveys under the supervi- 

 sion of zealous and able naturalists : he rejoiced to observe 

 how their observations hamonized with his own ; and it was 



