Excerpt from A Description of Active and Extinct Volcanos, of Earthquakes, and of Thermal Springs: With Remarks on the Causes of These Phenomena, the Character of Their Respective Products, and Their Influence on the Past and Present Condition of the Globe

Tau circumstance of a work like the present proceeding from a Professor of Chemistry seems to call for some explanation; for notwithstanding the near connexion that subsists between the latter Science and every Department of Geological in quiry, yet it must be confessed, that the Study of Volcanos embraces in itself a field of such extent, that it ought to be entered upon as a principal, rather than as a subordinate occupation.

It is fair therefore to myself to mention, that the subject was first taken up at a time when there appeared a reason able prospect of my obtaining an appointment, which would have entailed the necessity of a five years' absence from my native country.

The appointment in question I indeed ultimately lost, owing, as it was understood, to certain doubts that had been started with regard to my eligibility as a Candidate; but, as I had already formed the plan, and in some degree advanced in the details of the inquiry, I continued to prosecute it at intervals, not only for several years after my hopes of the situation alluded to had been frustrated, but even at a time when the office I afterwards obtained in the University of Oxford might have rendered a somewhat different line of pursuits more appropriate.

I have been obliged however in consequence to curtail in a considerable degree the scheme I had formed, which com prehended originally an examination of the Volcanos in the New, as well as of those in the Old World; and am under the necessity of now bringing forwards as a compilation, many parts of the work in which I had intended to introduce nothing but original matter.

It is satisfactory for me however to reflect, that I have visited most of the principal localities in Europe, noticed in my first two Lectures* as the seats of volcanic action, so that with respect to them, even where facts are stated which did not fall within the compass of my own observation, I have been able to ascertain, by going over the same ground, what degree of credit is due to the individuals on whose authority they are given.

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