Search results
Jul 22, 2010 · 33224. Release Date. Jul 22, 2010. Copyright Status. Public domain in the USA. Downloads. 500 downloads in the last 30 days. Project Gutenberg eBooks are always free! Free kindle book and epub digitized and proofread by volunteers.
Feb 25, 2011 · Principles of geology. by. Lyell, Charles. Publication date. 1837. Publisher. London John Murray. Collection. biodiversity; darwinslibrary.
People also ask
How is geology related to history?
What are the principles of geology?
How many chapters are in Volume 1 of geology?
How does Lyell explain geology?
Aug 16, 2008 · Originally published: London : J. Murray, 1830-1833. Book digitized by Google from the library of Harvard University and uploaded to the Internet Archive by user tpb.
Subjects: Earth and Environmental Sciences , Life Sciences , Evolutionary Biology , Geomorphology and Physical Geography , Earth and Environmental Science: General Interest. Series: Cambridge Library Collection - Earth Science. 41.99 (GBP) Digital access for individuals. (PDF download and/or read online) Add to cart. Export citation.
- Charles Lyell
- 2009
- Excerpts from Charles Lyell, Principles of Geology
- For Further Discussion
Charles Lyell (1797 — 1875) was a Scottish lawyer and the foremost geologist of his day. He is best known as the author of Principles of Geology. It popularized geologist James Hutton’s concept of “uniformitarianism” — the idea that the Earth was shaped by slow-moving forces still in operation today. Uniformitarian ideas opposed the common belief among many geologists that unique catastrophes or supernatural events, like the biblical flood in the story of Noah, shaped Earth’s surface. The motto of uniformitarianism was “the present is the key to the past.” Lyell’s friend, Charles Darwin, took that idea and extended it to biology.
In fact, Lyell’s Principles of Geology was one of the few books that Darwin carried on his famous voyage on the HMS Beagle — a voyage that led him to write The Origin of the Species. What follows is a summarized version of the original text.
Geology defined — Compared to History — Its relation to other Physical Sciences Geology is the science which investigates the successive changes that have taken place in the organic and inorganic kingdoms of nature. It inquires into the causes of these changes. And it describes the influence which they have exerted in modifying the surface and external structure of our planet.
By this research into the state of the Earth and its inhabitants at former periods, we acquire a more perfect knowledge of its present condition. Our views concerning the laws governing its animate and inanimate productions become more comprehensive. When we study history, we obtain a more profound insight into human nature. We can draw comparisons between the present and former states of society. We trace the long series of events which have gradually led to the current state of affairs.
By connecting effects with their causes, we are enabled to classify and retain in the memory a multitude of complicated relations — the various peculiarities of national character. More deeply can we understand the different degrees of moral and intellectual refinement, and numerous other circumstances. Without historical associations, these would be uninteresting or imperfectly understood. The present condition of nations is the result of many previous changes. Some are extremely remote, and others recent, some gradual, others sudden and violent. In a similar way, the state of the natural world is the result of a long succession of events. If we seek to enlarge our experience of the present inner workings of nature, we must investigate the effects of her operations in past eras.
On looking back into the history of nations, we often discover with surprise how the outcome of some battle has influenced the fate of millions today. This remote event may be connected to the current geo- graphical boundaries of a great state, the language now spoken by the inhabitants, their peculiar manners, laws, and religious opinions. But far more astonishing and unexpected are the connections brought to light when we dig deeper into the history of nature. The form of a coast, the layout of the interior of a country, the existence and extent of lakes, valleys, and mountains, can often be traced to earthquakes and volcanoes in regions which are now tranquil. These ancient upheavals are the reason why some lands are fertile, and others are sterile. They determine the elevation of land above the sea, the climate, and various peculiarities.
Do you think that it’s possible today to study any important question from the perspective of just one academic discipline? Or do most interesting questions require you to consider the perspectives of many disciplines? Share your response to these questions in the Questions Area below.
Principles of Geology: being an attempt to explain the former changes of the Earth's surface, by reference to causes now in operation is a book by the Scottish geologist Charles Lyell, first published in 3 volumes in 1830-1833. Lyell used geology throughout as a basis to strengthen his argument for Uniformitarianism.
Wallace Online
