44 ORIGIN OF THE 



densed by the cold, or, in other words, having 

 parted with its caloric of vaporization, it would 

 return again in the form of rain. Thus, it may 

 be supposed, it rained incessantly, for a long 

 period after the formation of water; although 

 the heated surface of the earth did not admit 

 the water to come in contact with it, before 

 being again and again expelled in the form of 

 vapor, to be repeatedly condensed by parting 

 with its caloric of vaporization. This vapor, 

 or steam, we may suppose, was so dense, for 

 many ages, (particularly while the water was 

 kept in a state of ebullition,) as to preclude the 

 light of the sun ; " and darkness was upon 

 the face of the deep." 



Meantime, the subterranean forces continued 

 to act, at irregular intervals, and with different 

 degrees of power. Between these intervals, the 

 surrounding waters of the earth were compara- 

 tively calm and unruffled ; for the whole surface 

 of the earth was of a uniform temperature. No 



