442 



Dr. Hutton reduces hij argument very methodically, into three dif- 

 tinft Propolitions, a divifion into which the fubjea obvioufly refolves 

 itfelf: 



ift. That the materials of this World are in conftant motion, from 

 its higher parts to the unfathomable regions of the Ocean, where 

 they are depofited in Strata, horizontal or nearly fo.* 



2d. That the Strata compofed of thefe loofe materials, are there 

 confolidated by fubaqueous heat and fufion. 



3d. That being fo confolidated, they are afterwards elevated by the 

 cxpanfive force of heat, to the higheft points of the earth, and in the 

 operation are broken, diflocated, and diftorted. 



I mufl in general obferve, before I proceed to examine the truth 

 of Dr. Hutton'% Theory, that it is neceflliry to be very watchful of his 

 pofitions, which he flips in almofl incidentally, and then proceeds to 

 argue from them as if admitted. Thus, page 285 he fays, " Philofo- 

 " phers obferving an apparent diforder and confufion in the folid parts 

 " of the Globe, have been led to conclude, that there formerly exifted 

 " a more regular and uniform flate— that there had happened fome 

 " deflruaive change— that the original ftruaurc of the Earth had been 

 " broken and difturbed by fome violent operation." 



Taking 



* It IS amusing to observe the wild and contradiflory opinions, gravely maintained by 

 Cosmogonists ; Dr. Hution, it appears, supposes the materials of the world to be in per- 

 petual motion, from the land to the bottom of the sea ; whereas, M. La Trohc gives them 

 quite a contrary direflion ; he says, 



" Some Geogonists make fire, and others water, the principal agent in the formation of 

 " the globe, or at least of its present surface ; but he [M. La 7robe) contends, that ano- 

 ther element, the ivind, has, in certain districts, no inconsiderable share in the operation. 

 The daily action of the flood-tide conveys a certain quantity of fine sand above high- 

 water mark, and this being dried by the sun and air, is carried farther inland by the 

 " winds." [Trans. American Phil. Society, Vol. 4.] 

 The reader may smile ; but both Dr. Hutm and M. LaTroli, arc perfectly serious. 



