GEOGRAPHY, is derived from two Greek words, yea the earth, and vexpw I write, and in its original accep tation signifies a description of the earth. In the progress of science, however, its meaning has become gradually more extended, and it is now taken to denote, not merely an account of the divisions, produce, inhabitants, &c. of the earth taken as one whole, but also the explanation of various phenomena, arising from its relation to other bodies of the solar system. It was indeed from discoveries respecting the heavanly bodies, that men first derived correct notions with regard to the figure and magnitude of their own pla net ; and it is only by the application of astronomical prin ciples, that the apparently simplest of all geographical problems can yet be solved —that of accurately measuring, or distinctly expressing, the distance between two points on the surface of the earth. Astronomy and geography have thus become intimately connected, not as two sciences which have merely a certain affinity to each other, and which philosophers, from a wish to generalize and simplify the subjects of their investigation, have thought proper to combine, Imt because the latter separated from the former ceases to be a science. It is not r.erely for the language of geography that we are indebted to astronomy. It is from the same source, that we derive the method of constructing a correct representation of the globe, determining the re lative position of different places on its surface, and exhibit ing a familiar view of the various changes that are conti nually taking place in its position and outward circum stances. In a system of geography, therefore, it is neces sary, in the first place, to consider the earth as a part of the solar system ; to illustrate, from astronomical principles, its figure, magnitude, and motion; to explain the construction of the globes, with their application to the solution of prob lems ; and describe the various methods of projecting maps and charts. This constitutes what is properly called Ma then2atical Geography. The geographer may then pro ceed to consider the globe as one whole, and examine its internal structure ; the natural divisions and inequalities of its surface; the phenomena of tides and currents ; the mo difications of its atmosphere with regard to weight, tempe rature, humidity, and motion, with other natural appear ances usually included under Physical Geography. And, in the last place, he may view it as the habitation of ani mated and rational beings, divided into different kingdoms and states, and exhibiting various monuments of human in dustry and skill. This forms what may be called Political Geography. In the following article, we shall confine our selves to the first of these, leaving physical geography to be discussed under PnvsrcAL Geography, METEOROLOGY, MINERALOGY, &c. ; and political geography under the names of the respective countries, and other articles, where they will he treated more fully, and with greater propriety, than they could possibly be in the present ar ticle. Before entering on the subject, however, it may be proper to take a short view of the origin and progress of geographical discoveries.
In a rude state of society, it seems to have been the universal opinion, that the earth was a large circular plane or disc, every nation supposing itself to be placed in the centre. Of the unexplored parts of this plane various fanci
ful and absurd opinions were entertained. The early eeks,for example, imagined, that in the immense expanse of the ocean numerous islands were scattered up and down, inhabited by giants, pigmies, and a vast variety of other beings, which never existed but in the extravagant dreams of a fertile and untutored imagination; while the extreme verge of the disc terminated in a chaotic gulf, of unknown extent, and impenetrable darkness. The difficulties and dangers which travellers and navigators at first encounter ed, in attempting to pass the limits of their own country, and which they were on all occasions disposed to magnify, served rather to confirm than refute these erroneous no tions. This remark is strikingly exemplified in the case of the Phoenicians, who, as early as a thousand years before the birth of Christ, had navigated the whole of the Medi terranean, from the eastern extremity to the Atlantic Ocean, and had founded the colonies of Utica, Carthage, and Gales. That bold and enterprising people, anxious to reap the whole advantages of their discoveries, were care ful in concealing the success of their adventures, but took all possible pains to magnify the dangers and difficulties which they had encountered. Accordingly we find, that long after this period the Greeks still regarded the islands. in the western part of the 'Mediterranean, and even Sicily, as the habitations of monsters, and the scenes of enchant ment. Nor did the discovery of their error in one instance, lead them to suspect the accuracy of their opinions in ge neral. So firmly indeed were they persuaded of the truth of that system, which the writings of their poets, and par ticularly of Homer, had rendered in some measure sacred, that they no sooner became acquainted with a new region, than they immediately transported to more distant islands those fanciful beings, which they had at first erroneously supposed to be inhabitants of places less remote. Even in later times, when the true figure of the earth was under stood, the notions of the ancient Greeks, which were per haps common to all nations in similar circumstances, con tinued to pervade the writings of travellers, navigators, and historians, and thus prejudice tended to suppress that spirit of curiosity and adventure, which the discoveries of science might otherwise have inspired. No motive per haps less powerful than avarice, could induce men to en gage in an expedition in defiance of difficulties and dan gers, against which they were taught to believe, that hu man strength and human prudence were equally unavail ing ; and when such expeditions were undertaken, it would generally be by men little qualified, and still less disposed to communicate correct and interesting information to their less adventurous brethren. In such circumstances, it does not appear at all sut prising, that so many ages should have elapsed, before any very extensive or regular intercourse was established between different countries.