144 



Dr. T. R. Beck's Address 



allurgy ; and some of them have proved to be as distinguished 

 schools of science, as they are of the arts. France is indebted 

 for her present race of mineralogists — who have so rapidly and 

 successfully increased the internal wealth of that country— to her 

 school of mines ; and the utility of uniting theoretical knowledge 

 with practical experience, has thus been most amply verified. 

 When the mine of Pesey was first entrusted to this institution, 

 the lead extracted from the ore did not exceed 27 per cent. But 

 by gradual improvements, introduced with caution and science, the 

 product obtained by them rose, in a few years' time, to 73 per 

 cent.— the actual maximum of what the ore can yield.— (Keating.) 

 Saxony, also, that interesting portion of Germany, has taken a 

 high rank among nations, from the celebrity of her institutions 

 for the promotion of mineralogy. Over it presided for many years, 

 the illustrious Werner, who, whatever may be said of his geolo- 

 gical opinions, has at least proved the Linnaeus of mineralogy. He 

 numbered among his disciples, individuals from every part of Eu- 

 rope, and his fame even attracted some from this country. In 

 Saxony, also, the art of mining has been raised to the rank of the 

 most honorable profession, and the sons of the proudest noblemen 

 of the land do not consider it as unworthy of their attention, to go 

 through the regular studies, and perform the same tasks as the 

 common miners, in order to prepare themselves for the higher of- 

 fices. The local situation of the school is also most favorable. 

 The Academy of Freyburg has, in its immediate vicinity, one 

 hundred and thirty mines ; to all of which the students have free 

 access, and which they are even invited to attend. 



It is only when similar institutions shall be organized in this 

 country, that we can expect the full fruition of our mineral riches. 

 Large sums are now constantly wasted in visionary speculations, 

 or in exertions, no doubt laudable, but not sufficiently founded on 

 proper knowledge. These might all be rendered productive, were 

 the science practically taught. We may confidently anticipate the 

 period, when such an establishment will be deemed worthy of pub- 

 lic patronage. In the mean while, let us act as pioneers of it— - 

 as individuals who are collecting materials for its future utility. 



I will not indulge myself at this time in expatiating on Geology 

 —its extended views — its progressively accumulating facts— the 

 philosophical form it is rapidly assuming— and the interest it must 

 and ought to inspire in every enlightened and serious mind. 



