PART I.
THEORY OF THE EARTH; with the Examinationof different Opinions on thatSubject.
CHAP. I.
THEORY OF THE EARTH; or an Investigationof the Laws observable in theComposition, Dissolution, and Restorationof Land upon the Globe
SECT. I.—Prospect of the Subject to betreated of.
SECT. II.—An Investigation of the NaturalOperations employed in consolidatingthe Strata of the Globe.
SECT. III.—Investigation of the NaturalOperations employed in the Productionof Land above the Surface of the Sea.
SECT. IV.—System of Decay and Renovationobserved in the Earth.
CHAP. II.
An Examination of Mr KIRWAN's Objectionsto the Igneous Origin of StonySubstances.
CHAP. III.
Of Physical Systems, and Geological Theories,in general.
CHAP. IV.
The Supposition of Primitive Mountainsrefuted.
CHAP. V.
Concerning that which may be termed thePrimary Part of the Present Earth.
CHAP. VI.
The Theory of interchanging Sea andLand, illustrated by an Investigation ofthe Primary and Secondary Strata.
SECT. I.—A distinct view of the Primaryand Secondary Strata.
SECT. II.—The Theory confirmed fromObservations made on purpose to elucidatethe Subject.
CHAP. VII.
Opinions examined with regard to Petrifaction,or Mineral Concretion.
CHAP. VIII.
The Nature of Mineral Coal, and theFormation of Bituminous Strata, investigated.
SECT. I.—Purpose of this Inquiry.
SECT. II.—Natural History of Coal Strata,and Theory of this Geological Operation.
SECT. III.—The Mineralogical Operationsof the Earth illustrated from theTheory of Fossil Coal.
THEORY of the EARTH; or an Investigation ofthe Laws observable in the Composition, Dissolution,and Restoration, of Land upon theGlobe.
SECTION I.
Prospect of the Subject to be treated of.
When we trace the parts of which thisterrestrial system is composed, andwhen we view the general connection of thoseseveral parts, the whole presents a machine ofa peculiar construction by which it is adaptedto a certain end. We perceive a fabric, erectedin wisdom, to obtain a purpose worthy ofthe power that is apparent in the productionof it.
We know little of the earth's internal parts,or of the materials which compose it at anyconsiderable depth below the surface. Butupon the surface of this globe, the more inertmatter is replenished with plants, and withanimal and intellectual beings.
Where so many living creatures are to plytheir respective powers, in pursuing the endfor which they were intended, we are not tolook for nature in a quiescent state; matteritself must be in motion, and the scenes of lifea continued or repeated series of agitations andevents.