Read Illustrations of the Huttonian Theory of the Earth

Illustrations of the Huttonian Theory of the Earth

John Playfair

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Description:From the back cover: Although the surface of the earth has been studied for untold centuries, geology did not really arise as a science until the early and middle 19th century. Before this time it had consisted of scores of different "systems", may of which contained correct aperçus on specific matters, but were diluted by elements of religious cosmology, philosophical presuppositions (particularly Naturphilosohie), inadequate observation and faulty reasoning.One man did most to establish modern geology, James Hutton; and one book spread his ideas, Playfair's "Illustrations". Hutton (1726-1797), a Scottish doctor and chemist, was a man of genius, and as the founder of the strong Scottish school of geology, gathered correct elements of many opposing schools of the day, discarded elements of error, provided many new insights, and created a system that is basically our own modern understanding. He was probably the first geologist to observe phenomena fully and the first theorist with the knack of interpreting correctly what he saw.Among Hutton's great contributions (apart form his insistence upon supporting theory by field observation) was his concept of uniformitarianism - the idea that geological formations were caused by processes still in operation. He also correctly established the three basic processes by which rocks are formed; he understood cycles of erosion and deposition; he recognised the importance of stratigraphy, conformity and non-conformity, the work of atmospheric agents, the nature of intrusions (both basaltic and granitic); and many other matters. Areas where he went wrong are few.Hutton, however, was not a skilled expositor and he never put his full system in writing. This was left to his friend and pupil, John Playfair (1748-1819) who summarised and organised Hutton's thought, added insights of his own, and gave this system to the world in this book - easily one of the most important volumes in the history of science. This book, more than any other, laid the groundwork for the later development of the earth sciences. It is still remarkable in providing a special view of the awakening of the scientific spirit in an important field of inquiry.We have made it easy for you to find a PDF Ebooks without any digging. And by having access to our ebooks online or by storing it on your computer, you have convenient answers with Illustrations of the Huttonian Theory of the Earth. To get started finding Illustrations of the Huttonian Theory of the Earth, you are right to find our website which has a comprehensive collection of manuals listed.
Our library is the biggest of these that have literally hundreds of thousands of different products represented.

Pages: 528

Format: PDF, EPUB & Kindle Edition

Publisher: Dover Publications, Inc.

Release: 1964

ISBN: 048661168X

Description: From the back cover: Although the surface of the earth has been studied for untold centuries, geology did not really arise as a science until the early and middle 19th century. Before this time it had consisted of scores of different "systems", may of which contained correct aperçus on specific matters, but were diluted by elements of religious cosmology, philosophical presuppositions (particularly Naturphilosohie), inadequate observation and faulty reasoning.One man did most to establish modern geology, James Hutton; and one book spread his ideas, Playfair's "Illustrations". Hutton (1726-1797), a Scottish doctor and chemist, was a man of genius, and as the founder of the strong Scottish school of geology, gathered correct elements of many opposing schools of the day, discarded elements of error, provided many new insights, and created a system that is basically our own modern understanding. He was probably the first geologist to observe phenomena fully and the first theorist with the knack of interpreting correctly what he saw.Among Hutton's great contributions (apart form his insistence upon supporting theory by field observation) was his concept of uniformitarianism - the idea that geological formations were caused by processes still in operation. He also correctly established the three basic processes by which rocks are formed; he understood cycles of erosion and deposition; he recognised the importance of stratigraphy, conformity and non-conformity, the work of atmospheric agents, the nature of intrusions (both basaltic and granitic); and many other matters. Areas where he went wrong are few.Hutton, however, was not a skilled expositor and he never put his full system in writing. This was left to his friend and pupil, John Playfair (1748-1819) who summarised and organised Hutton's thought, added insights of his own, and gave this system to the world in this book - easily one of the most important volumes in the history of science. This book, more than any other, laid the groundwork for the later development of the earth sciences. It is still remarkable in providing a special view of the awakening of the scientific spirit in an important field of inquiry.We have made it easy for you to find a PDF Ebooks without any digging. And by having access to our ebooks online or by storing it on your computer, you have convenient answers with Illustrations of the Huttonian Theory of the Earth. To get started finding Illustrations of the Huttonian Theory of the Earth, you are right to find our website which has a comprehensive collection of manuals listed.
Our library is the biggest of these that have literally hundreds of thousands of different products represented.

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Illustrations of the Huttonian Theory of the Earth

Illustrations of the Huttonian Theory of the Earth

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