A happier model could not, in our opinion, be chosen; and we conceive that Professor Cleaveland is perfectly consistent, and perfectly perspicuous, when, adopting the chemical composition of minerals as the only proper foundation of arrangement, and, of course, rejecting the principle of Mr. Werner, which arranges them upon their external properties, he still adopts his descriptive language as far as it answers his purpose. For to elect a principle of arrangement, and to classify all the members of a system so as to give each its appropriate place, is obviously quite a different thing from describing each member, after its place in a system is ascertained. In doing the latter, characters may be drawn from any source which affords them.
In his "Introduction to the Study of Mineralogy," the author has given a view at once copious, condensed, and perspicuous, of all that is necessary to be learned previously to the study of particular minerals. He begins with definitions and general principles, which are laid down with clearness.
By way of engaging the attention to the study of this department of nature, he remarks:
"From a superficial view of minerals in their natural depositories, at or near the surface of the earth, it would hardly be expected that they could constitute the object of a distinct branch of science. Nothing appears farther removed from the influence of established principles and regular arrangement, than the mineral kingdom when observed in a cursory manner. But a closer inspection and more comprehensive view of the subject will convince us, that this portion of the works of nature is by no means destitute of the impress of the Deity. Indications of the same wisdom, power, and benevolence, which appear in the animal and vegetable kingdoms, are also clearly discernible in the mineral."
"It may also be remarked," continues the author, "that several arts and manufactures depend on mineralogy for their existence; and that improvements and discoveries in the latter cannot fail of extending their beneficial effects to the aforementioned employments. In fine, the study of mineralogy, whether it be viewed as tending to increase individual wealth, to improve and multiply arts and manufactures, and thus promote the public good; or as affording a pleasant subject for scientific research, recommends itself to the attention of the citizen and scholar."
This introductory view of the importance and interest of the science cannot be charged with the fault of exaggeration, since it is most evident that neither civilization, refinement in arts, nor comfort, can exist where the properties of mineral substances are but imperfectly understood.
As regards this country, the argument admits of much amplification. The more our mineral treasures are explored, the more abundantly do they repay the research; and we trust that the period is not far distant, when we shall no longer ignorantly tread under our feet minerals of great curiosity and value, and import from other countries, at a great expense, what we, in many instances, possess abundantly at home.[9]
But to return to the plan of the author's work. Few persons, unacquainted with the science of mineralogy, would suspect that mere brute matter could exhibit many strong marks, capable of discrimination.
It may, however, be confidently affirmed, that there is no mineral which, if carefully studied, may not be distinguished by characters sufficiently decisive from every other mineral; an account of these characters ought, therefore, to precede every system of mineralogy. Professor Cleaveland has, with entire propriety, included them under the heads of crystallography, physical and external characters, and chemical characters.
He has given a clear view of the Abbé Haüy's curious discoveries regarding the six primitive figures or solids which form the bases of all crystals—the three integrant particles or molecules which constitute the primitive forms, and of the theory by which it is shown how the immensely numerous and diversified secondary or actual forms arise out of these few elementary figures.