30 FORMATION OF THE SOCIETY : UNPUBLISHED RECORDS. 
beneath our feet, and to improve the arts which are employed in 
raising them to the surface and fitting them for the use of man, 
were the two main objects for which the Geological and Polytechnic 
Society was instituted, objects which though local and limited in 
their extent, are yet of great national importance ; but which as they 
require extct local knowledge, and the collection of an infinite number 
of minute details, can only be attained by a local Society. 
The interest which has for many years attached to the study of 
the structure of the earth, and the spirit in which it has latterly been 
conducted, leave little room to doubt, that ere long the general 
principles of Geology will be established on the sure basis of induc- 
tion ; but while the attention of Geologists, whether as individuals 
or as societies, is engrossed with the pursuit of these objects, there is 
some risk that this more minute examination of local phenomena would 
be neglected, wdiich is necessary to call forth for the use of man, in 
their fullest extent and at the least cost, those hidden treasures 
which the great Architect of the Universe has placed beneath our 
feet. It is in this that 'we behold the proper sphere of action of all 
local Societies, and for this they possess peculiar advantages. 
It is our lot to inhabit one of the most important mineral dis- 
tricts in the kingdom, with which, whether we be landowners, 
merchants, manufacturers or tradesmen, our interests are intimately 
connected. We may not suffer its resources to remain neglected or 
wasted, as they must be if pursued w'ith imperfect knowledge, when 
a little exertion and expense are all that are required to prevent this 
evil. Much no doubt may be expected from the gratuitous exertions 
and offerings of individuals, but much will remain that can only be 
accomplished by a liberal expenditure. Though an abundant col- 
lection of the fossils of the district may safely be calculated upon, 
and models of various improved machines be presented ; though 
plans and sections and minute details may be accumulated, yet it 
will be necessary to provide the means of preserving and arranging 
the one, and of combining and uniting the other on one general 
map, while the purchasing of a library is an object that should not 
be overlooked. 
To meet these expenses, the Society must rely on its annual 
