Theory of the Earth, With Proofs and Illustrations, Volume 1 (of 4)Hutton, James
Science
Theory of the Earth, With Proofs and Illustrations, Volume 1 (of 4)
Hutton, James
Geology -- Early works to 1800
I have given a very remarkable example of mineral fusion, in reguline
manganese, (as the reader will see in page 68.) It is not that this
example is more to the purpose of my theory than what may be found in
every species of stone; but this example speaks so immediately to
the common sense of mankind, (who are often convinced by a general
resemblance of things, when they may not see the force of demonstration
from an abstract principle) that I thought it deserved a place on that
account, as well as being a curious example, But more particularly to my
antagonist, who has been pleased (very improperly indeed) to try some
part of my theory in the fire, here is an example which should have
been absolutely in point, and without any manner of exception:--Has he
acknowledged this?--No; he has, on the contrary, endeavoured to set this
very example aside.
On this occasion, he says, "Manganese has been found in a reguline state
by M. de la Peyrouse, and in small grains, as when produced by fire.
True; but it was mixed with a large quantity of iron, which is often,
found in that form without any suspicion of fusion. A fire capable of
melting quartz might surely produce it in larger masses." We have here
a kind of two arguments, for removing the effect of this example; and I
shall consider them separately.
The first of these is, the not being suspected of having been in fusion;
now, if this were to be admitted as an argument against the igneous
origin of stony substances, it might have superseded the adducing of any
other, for it is applicable perhaps to every mineral; but we must here
examine the case more minutely.
This argument, of the manganese being in a mine of iron, if I understand
it rightly, amounts to this, that, as iron ore is not suspected of
having been melted, therefore, we should doubt the manganese having been
so. If this be our author's meaning, it is not the fair conclusion which
the case admits of; for, so far as the manganese appears evidently to
have been in a melted state, the iron ore should be _suspected_ of
having been also in fusion, were there no other evidence of that fact.
In science, however, it is not suspicion that should be employed in
physical investigation; the question at present is; If the phenomena of
the case correspond to the conclusion which the intelligent mineralist,
who examined them, has formed? and, to this question, our author gives
no direct answer. He says, _iron is often found in that form without any
suspicion of fusion_. This is what I am now to answer.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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