12 
already stated, but which I promise satisfactorily to produce. — In the 
meantime, surely, I may presume that you begin to perceive, that this 
part of natm'al history possesses importance sufficient to claim a 
very considerable degree of attention. To confirm you in this 
opinion, I must add, that by these studies a more perfect knowledge 
is gained of the structure of this globe, of its ancient state, and, of 
the various and important changes it has suffered. 
By widening the views of the natural philosopher ; by opening to 
him, fresh fields of observation; and, by extending his views of 
creation ; more just, and more grand sentiments, must be excited, 
of the immensity of animated nature, and of the power of the great 
Creator of all things. 
In pursuing these investigations, I shall, in general, adopt the 
following order. The fossil, in its present state, will be carefully 
described ; and, whenever it can be done, the situation in which it is 
found will be pointed out ; its original mode of existence, and the 
various properties which, by analogy, may be supposed to have cha- 
racterized it in its living state, will be inquired into ; and the several 
changes which it has undergone, both in its composition and its 
structure, will be carefully examined. 
The wonderful changes of situation, which the various objects of 
investigation will be found to have undergone, will necessarily 
demand an assiduous inquiry. The endeavour to furnish some satis- 
faction on this abstruse and interesting subject, will be reserved, as 
much as may be, for the concluding part of our inquiries. This 
place it wall occupy, with the most propriety ; since the several facts 
and observations, detailed in the preceding part, will furnish some of 
tlie data, which may serve as the foundation for the reasonings and 
conjectures to be advanced there. It is proper, howrever, in this 
place, to remark, that, on this subject, but little positive knowledge 
can be acquired ; and that even after the most assiduous inquiry, the 
mind must be satisfied with forming probable conjectures. Indeed, 
