He argues from the effect to the cause, in many of his positions, with great perspicuity. And the circumstance that few of the learned have yet attempted to show that his principles are founded in absurdity, should at least entitle him to the respect, and his theory to the attention, of every candid man. Notwithstanding he has been buffeted by the ridicule and sarcasm of an opposing world for seven years, under great pecuniary embarrassments; he still labours with unshaken faith, and unbroken perseverance; with a willingness at any time to test the truth of his speculations amid the icy mountains of the polar seas. Already has he passed the meridian of life; and should he be called from time, without establishing his theory by actual discovery; the science he has embodied, and the facts he has collected and arranged in support of it, together with his undeviating and indefatigable industry, in the face of "The world's dread laugh, which scarce The firm philosopher can scorn," will bear a testimonial to his talents and worth, that the best of his species will ever delight to acknowledge. And though he may not have accounted for every particular, or brought forward every argument that might possibly be advanced in support of his positions; he has, nevertheless, collected a greater number of peculiarly interesting facts, and embodied a stronger phalanx of proof, than could well have been expected on a subject so new, and in the hands of the original discoverer. If, hereafter, it should be ascertained that Symmes's Theory of the Earth is true, impartial posterity will not withhold the honour and fame due to the name of the discoverer. It is hoped, however, that the present age will not so far forfeit to posterity the high character it now sustains in scientific discovery, as to remain deaf to his solicitations; but, that the citizens of our own country in particular, if not the whole world, will unite in testing the truth of his principles; and in doing justice to the merits of this extraordinary man. FINIS. FOOTNOTE: [48] Journal of the House of Representatives of Ohio; session of 1823, '24――p. 224. * * * * * TRANSCRIBER'S NOTES: Punctuation has been standardized. Some alternate spellings have been retained. Pg. iv: "faciliate" changed to "facilitate" (to facilitate its progress). Pg. 39: "obedidience" changed to "obedience" (in obedience to certain fixed laws). Pg. 41, 44, 70, 79: "spheriod" changed to "spheroid" (is strictly a spheroid) (that of a regular spheroid) (the form of an oblate spheroid) (a compact and solid spheroid) (the earth is a solid spheroid). Pg. 57, 130: "occular" changed to "ocular" (positive ocular demonstration) (admits of ocular demonstration). Pg. 62: "sometimes" changed to "some times" (at some times seven or eight belts). Pg. 73: "appea" changed to "appear" (and appear again in great numbers). Missing word "of" inserted (in the latter end of March).