THE DYNAMICAL THEORY OF THE FORMATION OF THE EARTH. BY ARCHIBALD TUCKER RITCHIE. "Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the HEBREWS Xi. 3. VOL. II. LONDON: LONGMAN, BROWN, GREEN, AND LONGMANS, PATERNOSTER ROW. MDCCCL. CONTENTS OF VOL. II. CHAPTER XIX. Introductory remarks. Classification of rocks into STRATIFIED and UNSTRATIFIED. Geological data for the correctness of these two great divisions. Evidences in favour of the Dynamical Theory, deducible from the unstratified rocks. Nucleii and centres of mountain chains generally composed of amorphous masses. Their prevalence on the Earth's surface. Geological attestations in support of this. Axis of elevation observable in mountain ranges, and the conical form which their eminences have assumed. Argument, founded on the stratified rocks, to show that the mineral crust of the Earth has been moved, in mass, from where it was formed. Firstly. Strata deposited horizontally at the bottom of water. Geological evidences to this effect. Secondly. That they have been elevated from the position in which they were deposited, proved by numerous evidences. Concluding observations arising from the establishing of these several assumptions 1 CHAPTER XX. Evidences to prove, that the non-rotatory sphere was circumbounded by water-astronomical proof-geological proof. This fact, combined with what was established in previous chapters, leads to the conclusion, that violent movement, therefore much friction, and consequently great heat, would necessarily ensue amongst the rocky masses of the earth's crust. The characteristics of Friction enquired into, and the Breccia which would result, when mineral formations, abounding with calcareous material, were subjected to its influence under water. The great Breccia and Conglomerate formations geologically described, and shown to correspond with that which the Dynamical Theory requires for its perfection, should be found to exist. Some of the more special uses which they were designed to accomplish made manifest. The Coal Measures protected by the Conglomerate and Breccia from fusion and denudation. The nucleii of mountain ranges the resultant foci of heat engendered by friction. Geological proof of this, deduced alike from the mineralogical structure of the rocks composing these elevations, and from the existing symptoms of fusion, evidenced by the altered condition of their contiguous strata CHAPTER XXI. Evidences of the existence, in former times, of fusion in the primary rocks, derived from their internal or mineralogical structure. Carbonate of lime fused under pressure-mineralogical results. Crystallization proceeding from igneous fusion. Geological evidences to prove that a considerable proportion of the rocky crust of the Earth is crystalline in its texture. Essential difference between rocks properly called crystalline, of older formation, and those resulting from modern volcanoes, called lavas 30 60 CHAPTER XXII. The evidences adduced, and the points established in the foregoing chapter, briefly applied. Firstly. To explain the enigma of the pre- sence of crystallization, arising from both aqueous and igneous fusion, observable in the rocky crust of the Earth. Secondly. To account for the existence, in the same, of mineral veins and dykes of Granite, Porphyry, Trap, &c. &c. Geological evidences in confirmation of these two branches of enquiry. A few concluding observations FAULTS OF FISSURES described. Geological evidences of their existence. Application of these data to the COAL MEASURES, considered to have been the uppermost strata of the Non-rotatory Sphere. Found to correspond. METALLIC VEINS described; geological and other scientific data descriptive of these interesting portions of the rocky Recapitulation of points established in the preceding Chapter. Conclu- sions to be drawn from the oblique direction of metallic veins : various means by which their contents may have been lodged in them. Thermo-electricity that which most probably was employed. Proofs in favour of this assumption, and the manifold evidences of beneficent design in the formation, and in the location of metallic veins. Geological testimonies of the existence of amorphous rocks, capable of having occasioned the electrical currents, and other phe- nomena from which these metalliferous veins originate. Granitic Rocks their genera, position, and their relation to associated and superincumbent formations. Enquiry into their supposed origin with respect to the internal structure of the Earth, and the assist- ance which the Dynamical Theory affords, by simplifying this The immediate consequences of the two established positions: the non- rotation of the earth until all the strata, up to the coal measures, had been formed; and its subsequent protorotation, considered with reference, firstly, to the rush of water which took place from the poles towards the equator; and, secondly, to the disintegration which accompanied the upbursting of the amorphous rocks, during these violent movements of the primitive water. This conflux of water attempted to be explained analogically by currents of wind; and applied to the peculiar case under consideration. The attention then directed to another simultaneous series of events. The up- bursting of the amorphous masses, and the disintegration which must have ensued, together with the disseminating effects of the violent aqueous currents towards the equator. Geological evidences. The previous subject continued. Formation of Earths and Soils. The attendant circumstances peculiarly favourable for this needful pro- cess. The unconformable rocky masses which overlie the coal measures. Geological evidence of their existence. Enquiry into their origin, as made known to us by the Dynamical Theory. Geo- logical character of the newer Secondary Suites. The New Red |