No. III.

VOL. I.

1

SOME ACCOUNT OF THE WERNERIAN

EDINBURGH.

To determine the utility of Natural History, it is scarcely necessary to do more than to enumerate its various "branches, by which it will be seen in its most convincing form. In truth, the correctness of this opinion requires no proof, since the general attention which has, within a few years, been excited to the study of every department of natural knowledge, must have rendered every illustration that can be offered perfectly familiar to our readers. This being the admitted fact, the importance of all attempts to facilitate such 'studies, to excite ardour, and to stimulate exertion, will be fully appreciated. Under the influence of this conviction, we make no apology for submitting to the public the following sketch of the rise, progress, and present state of the Wernerian Natural History Society of Edinburgh, as well as a few general observations on that branch of natural history to which some of its most distinguished members have hitherto devoted their talents. The history of this society is, in fact, so intimately blended with the progress of mineralogical science in Great Britain, as to make it impossible to notice the one and neglect the other. To this society, we, without hesitation, refer not only a large share of the enthusiasm that has been kindled, but some of the most interesting observations on the internal structure of Great Britain that have yet been presented to the world. In addition

sible though progressive influence that has been exercised on the minds of many, by one enlightened, zealous, and persevering individual.

The state of mineralogical knowledge, within the last forty years, was confessedly low in every part of the world, as it consisted of little more than an acquaintance with the more valuable substances, and of a catalogue of localities. On the Continent of Europe, the first steps towards improvement were made; while, in our country, though so rich in its mineral treas ures, scarcely a work appeared, with the exception of Williams' Mineral Kingdom, and Price's Cornwall, that contained accurate observations. Yet, in the midst of this most deplorable ignorance of the works of nature, her most secret mysteries were resolved with a boldness and temerity scarcely to be surpassed by the flights of Paracelsus, or of Arnoldus de Ville Nova. It would be a fruitless and unprofit able task to give even a sketch of these whimsical, though often ingenious, fancies.

The individual to whom mineralogy is most deeply indebted, is the well-known Werner of Freyberg. He has taught the vast importance of accurate observation, and patient investigation. He has shown, that in this science, as in every other, facts should not be made to bend to hypothesis; but that every man who wishes to obtain accurate views, should begin his career unfettered by theory-and that the result must be a more accurate

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 hors 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 criticize 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 1801, 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

January 1808, Professor Jameson, Doctors Wright, Macknight, Barclay, and Thomson, Colonel Fullerton, Messrs Anderson, Neill, and Walker (now Sir Patrick Walker), held their first meeting, and "resolved to associate themselves into a society for the purpose of promoting the study of natural history; and in honour of the illustrious Werner of Freyberg, to assume the name of the Wernerian Natural History Society." Professor Jameson was elected the first president; Doctors Wright, Macknight, Barclay, and Thomson, the vice-presidents; Mr Walker, the treasurer; and Mr Neill, the secretary. Honorary and other members were elected; and among the first of the former, the society has the honour of enumerating the illustrious names of Werner, Sir Joseph Banks, and Kirwan. At the same time, it was resolved that a charter should be applied for; and accordingly, this being done, the Lord Provost and Magistrates of Edinburgh, by virtue of authority vested in them, granted the charter on the 10th February 1808; thus solemnly incorporating the society.

The objects of the Wernerian Natural History Society are sufficiently defined by the resolution which we have extracted. They are simply the general promotion of every branch of natural science; at the same time, it is to be understood, that its fostering care has, from obvious causes, hitherto been chiefly bestowed on mineralogical science. Some, who are more disposed to cavil than to reflect, have objected to the distinctive title assumed by the founders of this society, as narrowing its scope. Werner, it is true, is chiefly, if not exclusively, known in Britain as a distinguished mineralogist. His knowledge, however, extends to every branch of natural science, and is regarded, by those who have possessed the singular advantage of his instruction, as equally remarkable for its accuracy as for its extent.

The honourable compliment paid to his merits, as a man of science, ought to be considered, what it really is, as analogous to similar distinctions bestowed on Linnæus in this country, and on other eminent men on the continent. The name implies no determination blindly to support Werner's peculiar views-as may be shown from the published memoirs, which

contain undeniable proofs of freedom of discussion.

The society has now existed upwards of nine years, during which period its records have been graced with the names of all the most distinguished philosophers of Europe and America; and although unaided by the advantages of wealth, it has silently pursued its useful career, and has, both directly and indirectly, contributed most essentially to the well-doing of science. Most of the active members of this society are professional men, whose daily engagements circumscribe the sphere of their scientific utility; yet, notwithstanding this and other disadvantages, they have explored a large portion of country-have contributed several valuable papers, which have been published, besides others of equal importance, which will, in due season, appear at the bar of the public. While the individual members are thus co-operating in their efforts, the society, as a body, has not been negligent of its more immediate duties. One complete volume of memoirs, containing several very valuable papers, and one half volume, have been already published. The second half of the second volume is also ready for publication. The merits of these volumes are sufficiently known to the scientific world; and as analyses of their contents have been formerly given elsewhere, it is unnecessary for us to enter into such details. We trust, that the part on the eve of appearing will justify the expectations excited by its predecessors.

The course hitherto adopted by the Wernerian Society has been unquestionably good-though not so brilliant as it might have been, had it possessed some advantages not wholly unknown to others. Upon the whole, however, we are disposed to think, that a quiet unobtrusive career, in which solid foundations for future distinction and lasting reputation are laid, is to be preferred to that rapid course which dazzles for a while, but leaves no fixed and permanent impression. When, indeed, we recall the circumstances under which it was first establishedwhen we recollect the odium which was attached to the very name, we cheerfully offer the tribute so merited by him, to whose intelligence, liberality, and unwearied diligence, we owe all that true spirit of mineralogical