A century of science in America : $b with special reference to the American Journal of Science, 1818-1918
History
A century of science in America : $b with special reference to the American Journal of Science, 1818-1918
American journal of science; Science -- United States -- History
“Professor Silliman conducted me to an interesting locality of these
in East-Haven. They occur on the main road from New-Haven to
East-Haven, less than half a mile from Tomlinson’s bridge ... (p. 56).
They are an interesting feature in our geology, and deserve more
attention; and it is peculiarly fortunate that they should be situated
so near a geological school and the first mineral cabinet in our
country ... (p. 58).
Origin of Greenstone.
Does the greenstone of the Connecticut afford evidence in favour of
the Wernerian or of the Huttonian theory of its origin? Averse as I
feel to taking a side in this controversy, I cannot but say, that the
man who maintains, in its length and breadth, the original hypothesis
of Werner in regard to the aqueous deposition of trap, will find it
for his interest, if he wishes to keep clear of doubts, not to follow
the example of D’Aubuisson, by going forth to examine the greenstone
of this region, lest, like that geologist, he should be compelled, not
only to abandon his theory, but to write a book against it. Indeed,
when surveying particular portions of this rock, I have sometimes
thought Bakewell did not much exaggerate when he said in regard to
Werner’s hypothesis, that, ‘it is hardly possible for the human mind
to invent a system more repugnant to existing facts.’
On the other hand, the Huttonian would doubtless have his heart
gladdened, and his faith strengthened by a survey of the greater part
of this rock. As he looked at the dikes of the old red sandstone, he
would almost see the melted rock forcing its way through the fissures;
and when he came to the amygdaloidal, especially to that variety which
resembles lava, he might even be tempted to apply his thermometer to
it, in the suspicion that it was not yet quite cool ... (p. 59).
By treating the subject in this manner I mean no disrespect to any of
the distinguished men who have adopted either side of this question.
To President Cooper especially, who regards the greenstone of the
Connecticut as volcanic, I feel much indebted for the great mass of
facts he has collected on the subject. And were I to adopt any
hypothesis in regard to the origin of our greenstone, it would be one
not much different from his” (p. 60).
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account