Crude suggestions on the nomenclature of rocks

Abstract

Geologists are aware that at the present time the nomenclature of the rocks is in a most unsatisfactory condition; so much so, that geology has been in a great measure prevented thereby from taking its proper rank as a true science. This appears to be due to the want of some master mind like Linnæus, who did for Botany what it is desirable some one would now do for Lithology—that is, systematize the nomenclature, and lay down laws in accordance with which the names of rocks should be regulated and assigned. The person to do this should be a Geologist well acquainted with mineralogy and chemistry. I am well aware that I am not such an individual, but at the same time I may be excused for ventilating my ideas on account of the number of years of study and consideration I have given to the subject. I would, however, at the same time specially point out that the more I have considered the subject, the harder and greater the task appeared; therefore these crude suggestions are only put forward in the hope that they may induce those with the proper talents and time at their disposal, to devote both, to a proper working out of the subject. In former writings I have suggested that some order might be produced if a system very like that in use in the science of Botany was adopted;* the whole of the rocks being divided up into orders, the orders into groups, the