TABLE OF CONTENTS. Apparent motions of the Planets-Ptolemaic System- Measurement of Angles-Diurnal revolution of the Earth Parallax--Measurement of Distances-Distance of the Meteorology-Indications of the Weather-Barometer- - 125 Climate-Distribution of Heat upon the Earth's Surface- Different Lengths of Days-Thermometer-Isothermal CONTENTS. xi Structure of the Earth-Probable Thickness of the Earth's Chronological Arrangement of Strata--Fossiliferous Strata -Tertiary System-Secondary Formations-Unstratified Aqueous Causes of Change-Action of Running Water- Sediment deposited annually by the Ganges-Excavation of a Lava Current-Fluviatile Formations-Peat Bogs, - 197 Springs-Artesian Wells-Calcareous Springs-Incrusta- Currents-Gulf Stream-Oceanic Currents. Chart of-Ef- Volcanic Eruptions-Destruction of Pompeii-Eruptions of Earthquakes, Phenomena of--Extent of Country Agitated-- Gradual Elevation of Coasts-Temple of Jupiter Serapis Atmospheric Causes of Change-Sand Floods-Dunes- Coral Islands—Atolls—Barrier and Fringing Reefs—Whit- Organic Remains-Infusoria in Flint-Age of the Earth- The Granitic Period-Basaltic Columns-Fingal's Cave- Graptolites--Encrinites--Trilobites--Fossil Fishes-Ferns Commencement of the second Period-Fossil Foot-steps- THE WORLD. CHAPTER 1. Figure of the Earth. "And still, as sunk the golden Orb of day, And gazed, and gazed, and wondered where he went, THE constant and regular succession of day and night, is the first great phenomenon which arrests our attention, when we commence a study of nature. Day after day, we behold the sun, after a definite and well determined period, rising in the east, and ascending the heavens; and no sooner has the blazing orb sunk beneath the western horizon, than we raise our eyes to the blue vault, expecting and beholding the placid stars. Doubtless, the first impression is always, that we are at rest, and that the sun, and all the stars of heaven, are slowly, and forever, revolving around us. A thoughtful consideration of the phenomena which attend the regular return of day and night, will soon convince us that this conclusion is erroneous, and will point out to us the true solution of the grand problem. Let us go upon some eminence when evening draws near, and watch the successive changes which usher in the night. The red orb of the sun, shorn of his lustre, his ruddy beams scarce penetrating the mists which creep over the surface of the earth, sinks gradually beneath the wave, or distant hills; a ruddy glow illumines the western sky, "Twilight's soft dews steal o'er the village green," slowly the light fades away, fainter and fainter, giving place to B |