d would
prove a general law in the formation of all chains composed chiefly of
primary rocks.[95]

In his "Travels in Russia," in 1793 and 1794, he made many geological
observations on the recent strata near the Wolga and the Caspian, and
adduced proofs of the greater extent of the latter sea at no distant era
in the earth's history. His memoir on the fossil bones of Siberia
attracted attention to some of the most remarkable phenomena in geology.
He stated that he had found a rhinoceros entire in the frozen soil, with
its skin and flesh: an elephant, found afterwards in a mass of ice on
the shore of the North Sea, removed all doubt as to the accuracy of so
wonderful a discovery.[96]

The subjects relating to natural history which engaged the attention of
Pallas, were too multifarious to admit of his devoting a large share of
his labors exclusively to geology. Saussure, on the other hand, employed
the chief portion of his time in studying the structure of the Alps and
Jura, and he provided valuable data for those who followed him. He did
not pretend to deduce any general system from his numerous and
interesting observations; and the few theoretical opinions which escaped
from him, seem, like those of Pallas, to have been chiefly derived from
the cosmological speculations of preceding writers.

CHAPTER IV.

HISTORY OF THE PROGRESS OF GEOLOGY--_continued_.

Werner's application of geology to the art of
mining--Excursive character of his lectures--Enthusiasm of his
pupils--His authority--His theoretical errors--Desmarest's Map
and Description of Auvergne--Controversy between the
Vulcanists and Neptunists--Intemperance of the rival
sects--Hutton's Theory of the earth--His discovery of granite
veins--Originality of his views--Why opposed--Playfair's
illustrations--Influence of Voltaire's writings on
geology--Imputations cast on the Huttonians by Williams,
Kirwan, and De Luc--Smith's Map of England--Geological Society
of London--Progress of the science in France--Growing
importance of the study of organic remains.

_Werner._--The art of mining has long been taught in France, Germany,
and Hungary, in scientific institutions established for that purpose,
where mineralogy has always been a principal branch of instruction.

Werner was named, in 1775, professor of that science in the "School of
Mines," at Freyberg, in Saxony. He directed his attention not