The authority given to this dissertation, by the Royal Irish Academy,
as well as the reputation of the author, make it necessary for me
to endeavour to put in their true light the facts alleged in that
performance, and to analyse the arguments employed, in order to judge of
the reasoning by which the theory of mineral fusion is refuted in this
Examination.
A theory founded on truth, and formed according to the proper rules of
science, can ever suffer from a strict examination, by which it would
be but the more and more confirmed. But, where causes are to be traced
through a chain of various complicated effects, an examination not
properly conducted upon accurate analytical principles, instead of
giving light upon a subject in which there had been obscurity and doubt,
may only serve to perplex the understanding, and bring confusion into a
subject which was before sufficiently distinct. To redress that evil,
then, must require more labour and some address; and this is an
inconveniency that may be looked for, more or less, in every
controversial discussion.
I do not mean to enter any farther into the defence of my theory in
this chapter, than what is necessary to answer a man of science and
respectability, who has stated his objections.
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