The Project Gutenberg eBook, Theory of the Earth, Volume 1 (of 4), by
James Hutton

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Title: Theory of the Earth, Volume 1 (of 4)

Author: James Hutton

Release Date: July 9, 2004 [eBook #12861]

Language: English

Character set encoding: ISO-646-US (US-ASCII)

***START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THEORY OF THE EARTH, VOLUME 1 (OF
4)***

E-text prepared by Robert Shimmin, Renald Levesque, and the Project
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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 Operati