Contents

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.

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.