Principles of Geology: An Attempt to Explain the Former Changes of the Earth's Surface, by Reference to Causes now in Operation: Volume 3 (Cambridge Library Collection - Earth Science)
Cambridge University Press
Edition: Illustrated, 7/20/2009
EAN 9781108001373, ISBN10: 1108001378
Paperback, 556 pages, 21.6 x 14 x 3 cm
Language: English
Originally published in English
In 1833, Charles Lyell published the final volume of his pioneering trilogy, which Charles Darwin took with him on the Beagle. In it, Lyell describes the composition of the Earth's crust, examines shell fossils, and explains rock stratification, separating geological formations into three periods – primary, secondary and tertiary. He chastises his fellow geologists for preferring to speculate on the possibilities of the past rather than exploring the realities of the present, and shows his readers the importance of testing the validity of scientific claims. Lyell expertly integrates this book with the two earlier volumes, extending his interpretation of his geological findings from his research in Europe, especially at Mount Etna. Volume 3 consists of 26 chapters, a comprehensive index and 93 woodcut illustrations of different rock formations. Lyell writes with infectious enthusiasm, conveying the excitement of his discoveries in this landmark book.
1. Connexion between the subjects treated of in the former parts of this work and those to be discussed in the present volume
2. Arrangement of the materials composing the earth's crust
3. Different circumstances under which the secondary and tertiary formations may have originated
4. Chronological relations of mineral masses the first object in geological classification
5. Classification of tertiary formations in chronological order
6. Newer Pliocene formations
7. Marine and volcanic formations at the base of Etna
8. Speculations on the origin of the Val del Bove on Etna
9. Origin of the newer Pliocene strata of Sicily
10. Tertiary formations of Campania
11. Newer Pliocene freshwater formations
12. Geological monuments of the older Pliocene period
13. Crag of Norfolk and Suffolk
14. Volcanic rocks of the older Pliocene period
15. Miocene period
16. Miocene alluviums
17. Eocene period
18. Marine formations of the Eocene period
19. Volcanic rocks of the Eocene period
20. Eocene formations, continued
21. Denudation of secondary strata during the deposition of the English Eocene formations
22. Denudation of the Valley of the Weald, continued
23. Secondary formations
24. On the relative antiquity of different mountain-chains
25. On the rocks usually termed 'primary'
26. On the stratified rocks usually called 'primary'.