GEOLOGY. 327 



(116) at 1320 yards below the surface of the earth, 

 and that of boiling water at 3300 yards, or nearly two 

 miles.* 



The frequency of hot springs from 80 to 120 

 Fahrenheit, the variety of those that approach the 

 boiling point, and the constancy of temperature in 

 them all, are circumstances remarkably consistent 

 with this hypothesis ; the following conclusions are 

 therefore probable : 



1. That the heat of the interior is always greater 

 than at the surface. 



2. That the heat augments progressively as we 

 descend, in a ratio bearing some relation to the 

 depth. 



3. That even at moderate depths this heat is 

 greater than the mean heat of the globe ought to be 

 if entirely derived from the sun. 



Results of Geology. 



The progress of this science establishes beyond all 

 doubt the great catastrophe described in Sacred His- 

 tory, and the concurrent traditions of many ancient 

 nations. It also demonstrates a primitive chaotic state 

 of the globe, in which there was no life, a succes- 

 sion of living created things, of which man was the 

 last, destined to people the earth, when its surface 

 had assumed a state of order and beauty, fitted for 

 the activity and improvement of an intellectual, pro- 

 gressive, and probationary being. 



* Now that we have so effectually explored the Surface of the 

 earth, a voyage of discovery towards its Centre seems very de- 

 sirable. JNIany curious discoveries might be made by perforating 

 to the depth of two or three mile?, selecting a proper spot to 

 escape, if possible, the inclination of the strata. 



