and extensive acquaintance with the materials of this globe. He has further shown, that certain relations exist among these various materials,—and although his own particular theories, and even his views respecting individual relations, may be occasionally erroneous, yet still he is entitled to the high praise of having pointed out the true mode of inquiry, and of having given that direction to the study of nature which experience has shown to be decidedly good.
While this illustrious man was silently pursuing his useful career in Germany, other philosophers in this country, of high talent, boldly struck out general views, which, though not remarkable for accuracy, entitled their authors to the character of genius and of fancy. Dr Hutton of Edinburgh took a decided lead in this matter. He communicated his hypothetical opinions to the world, first through the medium of the Edinburgh Transactions; and subsequently, in 1795, they were republished in a separate form. It would be foreign to our purpose here to criticise this ingenious theory, abounding in splendid views, which, unfortunately, are too often unsupported by facts. Had Dr Hutton studied nature, and then theorized, his genius would, in all probability, have illustrated many difficult points; but it is obvious, from his own works, that he has frequently reversed this order of proceeding.
While these dazzling speculations allured the votaries of Hutton, the present Professor of natural history in the university of Edinburgh first became known to the world as a scientific man, by his Mineralogy of Arran and Shetland, published in 1798; and afterwards, in 1 80 1, by his Mineralogy of the Scottish Isles. In these works he gave a flattering earnest of his accurate views in the study of science, and of his indefatigable zeal in the attainment of it. His labours are before mankind; and his success is best attested by the admiration of those who owe their scientific acquirements and habits to his instruction and unwearied enthusiasm.
About 1804, Mr Playfair's beautiful and eloquent Illustrations of the Huttonian Theory were first published. In this work, all that eloquence, fine taste, and infinite ingenuity, could do, were united to vindicate and establish the doctrines of which the author may be considered the most illustrious champion. Public attention having been strongly excited on these topics, by the impugning of Dr Hutton's creed by Professor Jameson, the contest became keen; and the result has been, to establish, very universally, the important fact, that the science of mineralogy is only to be acquired by patient labour, and that theory is as useless as contemptible, unless supported by a "cloud of facts."
In this state of general scientific excitement, those who felt anxious to render it beneficial, naturally sought for channels through which its influence might be judiciously directed. The most obvious was the establishment of societies, which, while protecting and encouraging every branch of natural history, would afford due support to mineralogical science in all its parts, whether regarded as furnishing materials for the philosophic inquirer, or as directing the operations of the practical mineralogist. Several societies, for promoting the knowledge of nature, have been long established; yet they have been so confined (not indeed by their regulations, but by the habits and peculiar associations of their leading members) that few have ever been bold enough to introduce topics which, if not considered innovations, would excite little or no general interest. Perhaps this might arise from the scope of the older societies being too extensive. But whatever may have been the cause, the effects are certain. To supply this defect, and to rouse a certain interest in the neglected though highly interesting walks of science, was an object of importance to every one who had perceived and felt the inconveniences resulting from the old system. Professor Jameson (who may be considered the founder of mineralogical science in Great Britain) had contemplated the object of this sketch soon after his return from Germany; and as the public attention had been strongly solicited by his valuable works, to one department of natural history, it was considered a favourable opportunity to bring together, in an organized form, such individuals as were desirous of extending the bounds of our natural knowledge in general, without limiting the tendencies of its original founders. Accordingly, on the 12th
