CHAPTEK XII. 



SYNTHETICAL VIEW OP THE OBIGIN OF THE EARTH, 

 AND ITS GEOLOGICAL FOEMATIONS. 



THE last developed forms of the universal cosmical struc- 

 ture, viz., the distinctly segregated masses of planetary matter 

 before described, may be viewed in the light of Seed of the 

 great Tree of previous Being, and Germs of a future and cor- 

 responding creation. By means of a generative influence 

 constantly descending from the Divine Spirit, as the Source 

 of all subordinate existences, a corresponding octave of unfold- 

 ings now ensue, which may be called the geognostic unfold- 

 ings. The successive stages of these, which, like other systems 

 of creation, form a seven-fold scries, seem, both in the light of 

 principles and facts, to observe the following order and 

 relations : 



PRIMARY TRINITY. 

 1. Chaotic or unformed fiery 

 vapor. 



2. Spheroidal nucleus (liquid 

 and gaseous). 



3. Granito-aqueous, or, super- 

 ficially solidified and oceanic. 



SECONDARY TRINITY. 



4. The "Transition Period ."cha- 



racterized mainly by aerial 

 developments and changes. 



5. The " Secondary Period," cha- 



racterized by distinctions of 

 climates and seasons, and 

 their corresponding sediment- 

 ary deposits. 



6. The. "Tertiary," or, the vol- 



canic, lacustrine, fluvatile, 

 and abrasive Period. 



ULTIMATE. 

 7. Recent or Alluvial Period. 



