and from natural decay; in the more general dispersion of those metals which are most important, and the comparatively rare occurrence of others which are less so; and still further. in affording the means whereby their compound ores may be reduced to a state of purity.[1]
The argument, however, which arises from the utility of these dispositions, does not depend on the establishment of any one or more of the explanations proposed to account for them. Whatever may have been the means whereby mineral veins were charged with their precious contents; whether Segregation, or Sublimation, were the exclusive method by which the metals were accumulated; or, whether each of the supposed causes may have operated simultaneously or consecutively in their production; the existence of these veins remains a fact of the highest importance to the human race: and although the Disturbances, and other processes in which they originated, may have taken place at periods long antecedent to the creation of our species, we may reasonably infer, that a provision for the comfort and convenience of the last, and most perfect creatures He
- ↑ I owe to my friend Mr. John Taylor the suggestion of another argument, arising from the phenomena of mines, which derives much value from being the result of t.he long experience of a practical man of science. "There is one argument," says Mr. Taylor, "which has always struck me with considerable force, as proving wise and beneficent design, to be drawn from the position of the metals. I should say that they are so placed as to be out of the reach of immediate and improvident exhaustion, exercising the utmost ingenuity of man, first to discover them, then to devise means of conquering the difficulties by which the pursuit of them is surrounded. "Hence a continued supply through successive ages, and hence motives to industry and to the exercise of mental faculties; from which our greatest happiness is derived. The metals might have been so placed as to have been all easily taken away, causing a glut in some periods and a dearth in others, and they might have been accessible without thought, or ingenuity. "As they are, there appears to be that accordance with the perfect arrangement of an all-wise Creator, which it is so beautiful to observe and to contemplate."
