THEORY OF THE EARTH, VOLUME I With Proofs and Illustrations, in Four Parts By JAMES HUTTON, M.D. & F.R.S.E. 1795. CONTENTS. PART I. THEORY OF THE EARTH; with the Examination of different Opinions on that Subject. CHAP. I. THEORY OF THE EARTH; or an Investigation of the Laws observable in the Composition, Dissolution, and Restoration of Land upon the Globe. SECT. I.--Prospect of the Subject to be treated of. SECT. II.--An Investigation of the Natural Operations employed in consolidating the Strata of the Globe. SECT. III.--Investigation of the Natural Operations employed in the Production of Land above the Surface of the Sea. SECT. IV.--System of Decay and Renovation observed in the Earth. CHAP. II. An Examination of Mr KIRWAN's Objections to the Igneous Origin of Stony Substances. CHAP. III. Of Physical Systems, and Geological Theories, in general. CHAP. IV. The Supposition of Primitive Mountains refuted. CHAP. V. Concerning that which may be termed the Primary Part of the Present Earth. CHAP. VI. The Theory of interchanging Sea and Land, illustrated by an Investigation of the Primary and Secondary Strata 421. SECT. I.--A distinct view of the Primary and Secondary Strata. SECT. II.--The Theory confirmed from Observations made on purpose to elucidate the Subject. CHAP. VII. Opinions examined with regard to Petrifaction, or Mineral Concretion. CHAP. VIII. The Nature of Mineral Coal, and the Formation 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 Operations of the Earth illustrated from the Theory of Fossil Coal. PART I. THEORY OF THE EARTH; WITH THE EXAMINATION OF DIFFERENT OPINIONS ON THAT SUBJECT. IN EIGHT CHAPTERS. CHAPTER I. THEORY of the EARTH; or an Investigation of the Laws observable in the Composition, Dissolution, and Restoration, of Land upon the Globe. SECTION I. Prospect of the Subject to be treated of. When we trace the parts of which this terrestrial system is composed, and when we view the general connection of those several parts, the whole presents a machine of a peculiar construction by which it is adapted to a certain end. We perceive a fabric, erected in wisdom, to obtain a purpose worthy of the power that is apparent in the production of it. We know little of the earth's internal parts, or of the materials which compose it at any considerable depth below the surface. But upon the surface of this globe, the more inert matter is replenished with plants, and with animal and intellectual beings. Where so many living creatures are to ply their respective powers, in pursuing the end for which they were intended, we are not to look for nature in a quiescent state; matter itself must be in motion, and the scenes of life a continued or repeated series of agitations and events.