XIV . — On the Geology and Mineralogy of Ceylon . 
By JOHN DAVY, M.D. F.R.S. 
In a LETTER addressed to Sir JAMES McGREGOR, M.D. &e. &c. &e. 
and communicated by him. 
[Read December 4th, 1818.] 
Kandy, January 26th, 1818. 
MY DEAR SIR, 
X DO not know how I can better assure you, that I have not for- 
gotten the desire you expressed in the last letter you honoured me 
with, than by communicating to you the results of my inquiries 
respecting the geology and mineralogy of this interesting island, 
hitherto so little investigated. 
In a geological point of view, the most general idea that can be 
formed of the island, according to the best of our knowledge, is, that 
it is one mass of primitive rock ; and unconnected with any other 
rocky formation, excepting in a slight degree, with one of the newest 
kind. 
The primitive mass of which the island consists rises in the Kan- 
dian country, and in the southern part of the island, to a consider- 
able height above the level of the sea, varying from 500 to nearly 
7000 feet ; an elevation which Adam’s Peak, the highest mountain 
in the island, does not exceed, as I have ascertained by barometrical 
admeasurement : other parts of the mass, particularly the northern 
division of the island, are low and plain; and, with the exception of 
one spot, as far as my knowledge extends, the island in general is 
surrounded by shelving shores. 
Vol. V. 2 R 
