REPORT ON MINERALOGY. 
363 
mirable examination of tlie ores of manganese by Dr. Turner 
and Mr. Haidinger. For similar reasons I shall not dwell on 
the researches which have been carried on with regard to other 
physical properties of minerals ; as, for instance, Kohler’s on 
their electricity, and Sir D. Brewster’s on their pyro-electricity. 
The discovery of a new metal, vanadium , by Sefstrom, is closely 
connected with mineralogy, but will probably appear as part of 
the history of chemistry, and therefore need not here be dwelt 
upon. 
In reviewing the account which has been given of the recent 
labours of mineralogists, it is impossible not to be struck with 
the small share which Englishmen have taken in all that relates 
to System in this science. With regard to optical researches, 
we have already mentioned that one person in our own country 
has done incomparably more than all the experimenters of the 
Continent together; and in the measurement of the angles of 
crystals, the goniometer, without which no measure would have 
any value, is the invention of an English philosopher ; and Mr. 
Phillips and Mr. Brooke have contributed to the stock of cry¬ 
stallography, observations more numerous and exact, probably, 
than any other two names could rival. Yet in the adoption of 
new generalities we have been slow/: the distinction of the cry¬ 
stalline systems is not commonly employed among us ; the doc¬ 
trines of isomorphism are contested by some and applied by few 
Englishmen*; and no attempt has recently been made, nor any 
interest excited, with regard to scientific views of the classifi¬ 
cation of minerals. This prosecution of details, and apathy or 
contempt with respect to methods appears to be a part of the 
intellectual character of this country. Men here appear to feel 
no interest with regard to rules and systems till they are so com¬ 
plete, so clearly developed as to principle, their apparent diffi¬ 
culties so far explained, that the general rule will bear a strict 
application in each particular instance. They are disposed to 
despise the dim glimmerings of dawning principles, in cases 
where, though a connexion may be probable or certain, the 
asserted connexion is clearly not exact. Our countrymen thus 
often lose much of the pleasure and honour which belong to 
those who labour to unfold an obscure and imperfect truth : 
but yet, on this very account, their discoveries, when made, have 
a more positive character and a more original tone than they 
might otherwise possess. The step to which mineralogy at 
* It will be seen by reference to the proceedings of the Chemical Section, 
that Dr. Turner, Mr. Brooke, and Professor Miller have undertaken to bring 
before the next meeting of the Association the result of experimental researches 
on this subject. 
