a Theory of the Earth. 37 



J4. Does it appear probable that the nitric, muriatic, and 

 boracic acids, as well as the three alkalies, are of new for- 

 mation; while the fulphurie, phofphoric, carbonic, tungftic, 

 molibdic, and arfenic acids exifted before the formation of 

 animals* ? 



15. If we believe that the mineral alkali or foda was of 

 ancient formation, may we not fuppofe that the ancient 

 ocean held this alkali in folution ? That would explain how 

 it might have diffblved filiceous earth and argil without 

 being able to nourifh animals. Afterwards, when the 

 marine acid was formed, or had ifTued from fome cavity, the 

 fea might have become proper for animals, and improper for 

 the folution of filiceous earth and argil. 



16. Is it probable that in the firft ages of the exiflence of 

 our globe its atmofphere was higher than at prefent; that 

 its lower ftrata were thus of a much greater denfity, and fuf- 

 ceptible of receiving from the fun a greater heat ? 



17. May we pTefume that the waters of the ancient ocean, 

 before the formation of the primitive mountains, had a heat 

 fuperior to that of boiling water ? 



18. What temperature may we fuppofe at prefent to cxift 

 at the centre of the earth ? 



19. Is it poflible that the quartzy earth found in petrified 

 vegetables and animals has proceeded from the fubftance of 

 thefe bodies ? 



CHAP. III. 



Hiflorical Monuments. 



Though the grand revolutions of our globe have been 

 anterior to all hiftories and monuments of art, light may, 

 however, be acquired from the traditions which hiftory has 

 preferred f : 



' Theorie de la Terre dc M. de Lamctheric. 



f And alfo from the analogy between the languages and cuftoms of dif- 

 ferent countries. C. 



P3 1. In 



