718

CHAPTER XLVI.
Imbedding of the same in alluvial deposits and in caves 730

CHAPTER XLVII.
Imbedding of organic remains in aqueous deposits--Terrestrial
plants--Insects, reptiles, birds, quadrupeds 742

CHAPTER XLVIII.
Imbedding of the remains of man and his works 753

CHAPTER XLIX.
Imbedding of aquatic animals and plants, both freshwater
and marine, in aqueous deposits 765

CHAPTER L.
Formation of coral reefs 775

LIST OF PLATES.

DIRECTIONS TO THE BINDER.

FRONTISPIECE, View of the Temple of Serapis
at Puzzuoli in 1836, _to face_ title page.

PLATE 1. Map showing the Area in Europe which
has been covered by Water since the
beginning of the Eocene Period _to face_ p. 121

2. Boulders drifted by Ice on the Shores
of the St. Lawrence 220

3. View looking up the Val del Bove, Etna 403

4. View of the Val del Bove, Etna, as seen from above 404

PRINCIPLES OF GEOLOGY.

BOOK I.

CHAPTER I.

Geology defined--Compared to History--Its relation to other
Physical Sciences--Not to be confounded with Cosmogony.

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 the influence which they
have exerted in modifying the surface and external structure of our
planet.

By these researches into the state of the earth and its inhabitants at
former periods, we acquire a more perfect knowledge of its present
condition, and more comprehensive views concerning the laws now
governing its animate and inanimate productions. When we study history,
we obtain a more profound insight into human nature, by instituting a
comparison between the present and former states of society. We trace
the long series of events which have gradually led to the actual posture
of affairs; and 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--the
different degrees of moral and intel