Copy 1, Volume 1

The dynamical theory of the formation of the earth / By Archibald Tucker Ritchie.

  • Ritchie, Archibald Tucker
Date:
1850
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Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: The dynamical theory of the formation of the earth / By Archibald Tucker Ritchie. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    CHAPTER VII. The velopment of the general argument. Adaptation of the Plants of the non-rotatory period to the state of creation during that epoch. Fronds and folliacious appendages of Cryptogames described—con- trasted with the respiratory expansions of Phanogames; and the de- sign of the former being demonstrated, they are shown to be in harmony with the effects which the flowerless plants were intended to produce, namely, absorption from the surrounding water, reten- tion of carbonic acid, and deposition, by their roots, to assist in forming the carboniferous strata. Short concluding observation : the continuity with which the subject has been traced to the present convergent point : : : ‘ : CHAPTER VIII. subject of argument of the present Section succinctly stated. Depo- sition of the stratified masses. Proof that the materials which com- pose the strata existed in the primeval ocean. The Earth accurately weighed before the deposition commenced, and after it ceased, and found, in either case, to be the same. In continuation, several sources of doubt respecting the origin of the strata removed, and clearly shown that underneath the stratified masses of the Earth’s crust there is an impervious base of amorphous crystalline rock. Order of superposition laid down, in accordance with the classifica- tion of M. dela. Beche. Table given, and corroborated by general extracts. Wherever the surface of the Earth has been geologically examined it is found to have been, at one time, submerged in the waters of the ocean. And, in conclusion of this Chapter, that all stratified rocks afford evidence of having been deposited from water CHAPTER IX. in the primitive ocean; and of the crystalline base on which they universally repose. Attendant circumstance of the Earth in perfect accordance with the work of deposition then going on. Character and component elements of the lower stratified, or non-fossiliferous rocks, given with the design of showing that their elements existed in the primitive menstruum. Endeavours to describe the process by which these elements were abstracted from the water with which they were thus combined. The immediate influence of the luni-solar current exemplified by the theory of the tides. Geological con- struction of the non-fosiliferous rocks—confusedly crystalline. Their specific gravity given, and the influence of attraction in their forma- tion. Aqueous crystallization, and the predominating influence which it exercised at this early stage of the creation. Capacity of water for becoming chemically impregnated with mineral elements shown and corroborated by the waters of Carlsbad and other mineral springs. Chemical affinity; its universality and influence. Brief summary in conclusion of this, as a preparation for succeeding Chapters . ; CHAPTER X. the mineral elements of the strata; and.could, therefore, according 269 329
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