Page:Geology and Mineralogy considered with reference to Natural Theology, 1837, volume 1.djvu/21

 Rh theories respecting the formation of the earth; these have in great part failed, in consequence of the then imperfect state of those subsidiary sciences, which, within the last half century, have enabled the geologist to return from the region of fancy to that of facts, and to establish his conclusions on the firm basis of philosophical induction. We now approach the study of the natural history of the globe, aided not only by the higher branches of Physics, but by still more essential recent discoveries, in Mineralogy, and Chemistry, in Botany, Zoology, and comparative Anatomy. By the help of these sciences we are enabled to extract from the archives of the interior of the earth, intelligible records of former conditions of our planet, and to decipher documents, which were a sealed book to our predecessors in the attempt to illustrate subterranean history. Thus enlarged in its views, and provided with fit means of pursuing them, Geology extends its researches into regions more vast and remote, than come within the scope of any other physical science except Astronomy. It not only comprehends the entire range of the mineral kingdom, but includes also the history of innumerable extinct races of animals and vegetables; in each of which it exhibits evidences of design and contrivance, and of adaptations to the varying condition of the lands and waters on which they were placed; and besides all these, it discloses an ulterior prospective accommodation of the mineral elements, to existing tribes of plants and animals, and more especially to the uses of man. Evidences like these make up a history of a high and ancient order, unfolding records of the operations of the Almighty Author of the Universe, written by the finger of God himself, upon the foundations of the everlasting hills.