This section is from the book "A Library Of Wonders And Curiosities Found In Nature And Art, Science And Literature", by I. Platt. Also available from Amazon: A library of wonders and curiosities.
Diamond Mine in the Brazils - Mines of Peru - Volcanic Eruptions of Mud and Salt - Pitch Wells - Visit to a Coal-Pit
Through dark retreats pursue the winding ore,
Search Nature's depths, and view her boundless store;
The secret cause in tuneful numbers sing.
How metals first were framd. and whence they spring
Whether the active sun, with chemic flames,
Through porous earth transmits its genial beams;
With heat impregnating the womb of night,
The offspring shines with its paternal light:
Or whether, urged by subterraneous flames,
The earth ferments, and flows in liquid streams
Purg'd from their dross, the nobler parts refine,
Receive new forms, and with fresh beauties shine:
Or whether by creation first they sprung,
When yet unpois'd the world's great fabric hung:
Metals the basis of the earth were made,
The bars on which its fix'd foundations laid;
All second causes they disdain to own,
And from th' Almighty's fiat sprung alone. Yalden.
 
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