This is a circumstance which, so far as I know, no chemist
or naturalist has hitherto considered; and it is that by which the
operations of the mineral regions must certainly be explained. Without
attending to this great principle in the mineralizing operations
of subterraneous fire, it is impossible to conceive the fusion and
concretion of those various bodies, which we examine when brought up to
the surface of the earth.]
The only question, therefore, which it concerns us to decide at present,
is, Whether those operations of extreme heat, and violent mechanic
force, be only in the system as a matter of accident; or if, on the
contrary, they are operations natural to the globe, and necessary in the
production of such land as this which we inhabit? The answer to this is
plain: These operations of the globe remain at present with undiminished
activity, or in the fullness of their power.
A stream of melted lava flows from the sides of Mount Aetna. Here is a
column of weighty matter raised from a great depth below, to an immense
height above, the level of the sea, and rocks of an enormous size
are projected from its orifice some miles into the air.
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