The Essay on the Theory of the Earth, now translated, is the introductory part of the great work of Cuvier. The subject of the _deluge_ forms a principal object of this elegant discourse. After describing the principal results at which the theory of the earth, in his opinion, has arrived, he next mentions the various relations which connect the history of the fossil bones of land animals with these results; explains the principles on which is founded the art of ascertaining these bones, or, in other words, of discovering a genus, and of distinguishing a species, by a single fragment of bone: and gives a rapid sketch of the results to which his researches lead, of the new genera and species which these have been the means of discovering, and of the different formations in which they are contained. Some naturalists, as Lamarck, having maintained that the present existing races of quadrupeds are mere modifications or varieties of those ancient races which we now find in a fossil state, modifications which may have been produced by change of climate, and other local circumstances, and since brought to the present great difference, by the operation of similar causes during a long succession of ages,--Cuvier shews that the difference between the fossil species and those which now exist, is bounded by certain limits; that these limits are a great deal more extensive than those which now distinguish the varieties of the same species, and consequently, that the extinct species of quadrupeds are not varieties of the presently existing species. This very interesting discussion naturally leads our author to state the proofs of the recent population of the world; of the comparatively modern origin of its present surface; of the deluge, and the subsequent renewal of human society. In order to render this Essay more complete and satisfactory, I have illustrated the whole with an extensive series of observations, and have arranged them in such a manner that they will be readily accessible, not only to the naturalist, but also to the general reader. Since the publication of the former edition of this Essay, many curious discoveries have been made in regard to fossil organic remains:--some of these are included in the Illustrations at the end of the Essay, others want of room forces us to omit. R. JAMESON. COLLEGE OF EDINBURGH, _19th April 1817_. CONTENTS. Page PRELIMINARY OBSERVATIONS, 1 Plan of the Essay, 4 First Appearance of the Earth, 6 First Proofs of Revolutions on the Surface of the Globe, 6 Proofs that such Revolutions have been numerous, 10 Proofs that these Revolutions have been sudden, 14 Proofs of the Occurrence of Revolutions before the Existence of Living Beings, 16 Examination of the Causes which act at present on the Surface of the Globe, 23 Of Slips, or Falling Down of the Materials of Mountains, 25 Of Alluvial Formations, 26