Volltext Seite (XML)
Note [IH.] On M. Humboldt’s Theory of Rocks. 349 " statistical view of superpositions'but, he'should then have confined himself scrupulously to statistical statements, and have altogether avoided the exposure of historical mo numents, of epochas, convulsions, and catastrophes. Those four great divisions, will not submit to any geognostic superannuation; being permanently rooted, in deeper ground of evidence than any that mere mineral geology can supply. I think, that enough has been said to shew, that M. Humboldt’s “ Geognostical Essay” has inwoven into itself a theory as fanciful, as arbitrary, and as injurious to the attainment of fundamental Truth, as any of those which have drawn down upon them his condemnation: yet, it is the most recent and avowed effort of the Mineral Geology to supersede the authority of the MosaicaT, which however, by a contrary and unexpected conse quence, it pointedly confirms in every stage. Real and attested epochas, must always determine, confirm, or con fute, such as are purely imaginary and speculative. That theory, therefore, cannot constitute any part of the positive geognosy whose elements he professed to teach. Freed from the entanglements of its theory, his geognosy reveals itself to be, simply, an universal topographical and tabular mineralogy. This, is its pure ore; in which, its “ internal -« development," and its " igneous formation of primitive “ rocks,” are only an heterogeneous and debasing alloy. Separating these from the former, and thereby obtaining his tabular mineralogy in its purity and simplicity, we acquire the most extensive and comprehensive accumulation of observed facts, respecting the positive and relative localities of mineral substances, that science has ever yet possessed ; a work, for ever monumental of the enterprise, vigilance, perseverance, and mineralogical knowledge of its highly dis tinguished author; and, for which the “ Hebrew Geology” is far more indebted to him than he at all suspected. ’ Page 34. 2 Page 23, 24 ; and Comp. Estimate, Part III. chap. v.
