THE VAILAN OR ANNULAR THEORY. [Illustration] _A Synopsis of Prof. I. N. Vail’s Argument in Support of the Claim that this Earth once Possessed a Saturn-like System of Rings._ PREPARED BY STEPHEN BOWERS, A. M., Ph. D. Editor of the Ventura Observer. FELLOW OF THE GEOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA, CORRESPONDING MEMBER OF THE AMERICAN GEOGRAPHIC SOCIETY, PHILADELPHIA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES, ETC., ETC., ETC. [Illustration] VENTURA, CALIFORNIA: THE OBSERVER PRESS PRINT. 1892. PREFACE. The theory advanced by Prof. I. N. Vail accounts for the formation of the earth’s crust, with its associated minerals, in the fact that it was once surrounded by rings of aqueous vapor, containing much of its present solid matter, which fell as mighty deluges. The last of these rings descended at the time of the Noachian deluge and caused that catastrophe, which is so graphically described by Moses, and which tradition has sung in the ears of every tribe of Adam’s race. The formation of these rings was caused by the intense heat, which drove to an immense distance every substance which could be reduced to vapor, and where they formed as annular bands or rings similar to those surrounding the planet Saturn at the present time. After long ages the portion nearest the earth slowly overcanopied the heavens, and owing to the lack of centrifugal force began its descent at the poles. This theory explains certain phenomena better than any other yet advanced by scientists. It accounts for the uplift of mountains; the deposit of coal and other minerals; the glacial age; the retardation of the moon, and it alone explains much contained in the first eight chapters of Genesis. Prof. Vail has published a volume of about 400 pages on this subject, which for clearness of statement and logical conclusions has seldom been equaled by previous writers on scientific subjects. He deals in convincing facts which are destined to overturn many pre-conceived theories in the science of geology. My object in sending forth this pamphlet is to call the attention of intelligent readers to a theory which must engage the attention of scientists in the future, and which will enable the geologist to make clear many things which are now obscure. I respectfully ask for the following pages a candid reading, and for further information on the subject refer the reader to Prof. Vail’s “Story of the Rocks”, and to other works of the gifted author, which are now passing through the press. VENTURA, CALIFORNIA, S. B. September 1, 1892. THE VAILAN OR ANNULAR SYSTEM. [Illustration] IMPORTANCE OF THE QUESTION.