Volcanization

Though they were anciently known to be volcanic,and therefore called vulcanian, it is only in modern times that their volcanization has been considered as an interesting object of the researches of the philosopher, who labours to promote the knowledge of nature.

Finally, all minerals or metallic substances, different in their nature and composition, found either in stratas or in beds, or separated in isolated masses, and forming distinct bodies, are all accidental products, resulting entirely from the conflagration of the Universal forest, and the general volcanization of the superficy of the terrestial Globe, and from the lixivium mixture, reunion, or agglutination of the substances contained in the mass of ashes produced by these two great accidents, the conflagration and volcanization of the terrestial Globe.

These particulars are the more deserving of attention, because the Alps have been very generally supposed to be destitute of all traces of volcanization.

Previous to 1759 it appears that theplain from which Jorullo now rises, presented traces of former volcanization; its soil being composed of tufa; and the neighbouring mountains consisting of trachyte and basalt.