Page:A discourse upon the origin and foundation of the inequality among mankind (IA discourseuponori00rous).pdf/187

of the Mine, and preparing it for Fuſion, before they knew what could be the Reſult of ſuch a Proceſs. On the other hand, there is the leſs Reaſon to attribute this Diſcovery to any accidental Fire, as Mines are formed no where but in dry and barren places, and ſuch as are bare of Trees and Plants, ſo that it looks as if Nature had taken Pains to keep from us ſo miſchievous a Secret. Nothing therefore remains but the extraordinary Circumſtance of ſome Vulcano, which belching forth metallic Subſtances ready fuſed might have given the Spectators a Notion of imitating that Operation of Nature; and after all we muſt ſuppoſe them endued with an extraordinary ſtock of Courage and Foreſight to undertake ſo painful a Work, and have, at ſo great a Diſtance, an Eye to the Advantages they might derive from it; Qualities ſcarcely ſuitable but to Heads more exerciſed, than thoſe of