CHAMBERLIN— THE AGE OF THE EARTH. 271 



1. Estimates of time based on the well-preserved series of geologi- 

 cal sediments will, when adequately corrected, probably fall into 

 harmony with the revised deductions from paleontology, radio-activ- 

 ity, and astronomy, so far as these cover the same ground. 



2. The distorted and metamorphosed terranes below the well- 

 preserved series of sediments do not disclose the starting point of 

 sedimentation. The sediments can therefore give no verdict on the 

 total age of the earth ; they are great enough, however, to show that 

 the earth is very old. 



3. The science of hydrogeology, of which oceanology is only a 

 part, is not yet ready to render a verdict ; it has more need of a court 

 of inquiry than a place on the witness stand. 



University of Chicago. 



