Du Buque visitor. [volume] (Dubuque, Lead Mines, Wisconsin Territory) 1836-1837, 1836-07-06
GEOLOGY.
Ffon de Ns=sh Amerawna Rswaw.

GEOLOGY.
rnn de Nsssh AzerRaa Rxziew-
GEoLoGr has for MS 0hfsss The nHnn-
raj history Of the earth III Is rsglrias.d
by Professor Nohl as Gspart rnens of
Physical Astronomy It's nanDe is de-
rived from the Greek ;gs- sastaas and
logos, discourse. and IS underssco6
tosignify the doctrine or sraencs ID the
earth. This science Investigates and
describes the structure of oar globe, the
nature Of It's various componenfs. and
the laws which have effected and sill
continue TO produce changes IN Its mass
It not only explains those things which
are interesting to philosopher, but al
50 aims to be practically useful. De-
scending with the miner into the dark
est ubterranean recesses, it directs by
its light; his operations to their most
successful results. The situations in
which are found the valuable metallic
ores, beds Of coal, gypsum, rock salt,
strata of limestone marble, and thous-
and other materials useful to man, are
pointed out with great degree of ac-
curacy, and are all described as they
occur in nature.
Soils are found to consist of the de-
tritus Of decomposed and disintegrated
rocks, mixed with variable proportions
Of vegetable and animal matter; and
the nature Of the mineral elements is
known to have agrcat influence on their
fertility, and their adaptation to the diff
ferent kinds Of plants which are culti-
waited for the use Of man. A knowledge
Of soilsisindispensable to the geologist:
and his science aids the agriculturalist
in amending those which are sterile,
from the presence of noxious matters,
or from an undue proportion Of certain
mineral elements. The architect and
engineer arcindcbted to this science for
an account of the nature and situation
Of valuable materials used in their con-
structions; and for indicationsby which
they may avoid those which have with
in them substances which will cause
their rapid decay or dcface their beau
ty. Thus they are enabled to select
building stones which will defy the ra-
wages OF time, and retain their original
texture and color.
by the aid Of geology we are direct
edtoour great mineral resources. which
cOnSrltut an important part of the So
It'd basis of national prosperity in the
useful arts. Materials required at all
times, but more especially in time Of
war, when obstructed commerce cuts
offour supplies from foreign lands, are
unfolded and are ready for use the mo-
ment they shall be required. Mines Of
iron, copper, lead, sources from which
we may obtain nitro, sulphur, and 9th.
erindlspensable materials for national
defence, are thus pointed out, and give
us q feeling Of greater security and in
dependence; for we hold to the max
I'm, that every country should have
within itself the means Of support and
defence. There are memorable instan-
ces on record Of nations having been
thrown on their internal resources, and
having been rescued by science from
destruction.
Il is evident that scientific gcolo-
gisal examination, is the cheapest and
best means Of bringing to light the val
liable minerals Of 4 country. Howvast
an amount Of property hnsbeen lost by
absurd mining spcculations, the abali-
doned pits in every part Of our country
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