[footnote] *[On the various theories that have been advanced in explanation
of volcanic action, see Daubeney 'On Volcanoes', a work to which we have
made continual reference during the preceding pages, as it constitutes the
most recent and perfect compendium of all the important facts relating to
this subject, and is peculiarly adapted to serve as a source of reference to
the 'Cosmos', since the learned author in many instances enters into a full
exposition of the views advanced by Baron Humboldt. The appendix contains
several valuable notes with reference to the most recent works that have
appeared on the Continent, on subjects relating to volcanoes; among others,
an interesting notice of Professor Bischof's views "on the origin of the
carbonic acid discharged from volcanoes," as enounced in his recently
published work, 'Lehrbuch der Chemischen und Physikalischen Geologie'.] --
Tr.
We have thus mere conjecture and supposition side by side with certain
knowledge. A philosophical study of nature strives ever to elevate itself
above the narrow requirements of mere natural description, and does not
consist, as we have already remarked, in the mere accumulation of isolated
facts. The inquiring and active spirit of man must be suffered to pass from
the present to the past, to conjecture all that can not yet be known with
certainty, and still to dwell with pleasure on the ancient myths of geognosy
which are presented to us under so many various forms.
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