An elementary treatise on geology: determining fundamental points in that science, and containing an examination of some modern geological systems, and particularly of the Huttonian theory of the earth / By J.A. De Luc, F.R.S. Translated from the French manuscript, by the Rev. Henry De la Fite.

  • Luc, J. A. de (Jean André), 1727-1817.
Date:
1809
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: An elementary treatise on geology: determining fundamental points in that science, and containing an examination of some modern geological systems, and particularly of the Huttonian theory of the earth / By J.A. De Luc, F.R.S. Translated from the French manuscript, by the Rev. Henry De la Fite. Source: Wellcome Collection.

    49/452 (page 17)
    17. This new passage of Mr. Playfair convineed avery correct judgment of geology; and that, while he had seen the extent of the objects which it ought to comprise, he had not given way to the opinion - that it exceeded the reach of human capacity. ‘This pas- sage, as well as many other parts of his work, make it evident that he has carefully studied the immortal Bacon, whose luminous principles are fallen at this day into so much neglect, to the great detriment of natural science. Mr. Playfair well understood that not, for their ultimate object, what superficial natu- ralists would esteem as solely useful; namely, details of natural history and natural philosophy, to which such persons exclusively attend. Thus, judging Bacon in this single view, they consider themselves as much more enlightened than he was, although so eminent in his time; and suffer his volumes to re- having perceived in them that, which will ever -bring them. to the recollection of true philosophers, and which Mr. Playfair has in many respects well under- stood, though he has sometimes departed from it. 18. The sagacity of Bacon enabled him to discover the immense variety of the phenomena of nature ; the. strength of his genius, however, prevented him from considering this variety as forming insuper able ob- stacles to the advancement of science, provided they C losopher $.