30 ON THK GENERAL FORM &c. OF THE GLOBE. 



sons for limiting the time through which the globe 

 of the earth has, in some form or other, existed. 



It is esteemed another argument in favour of this 

 view, that while it explains, equally well with the hy- 

 pothesis of fluidity, the general statical form, it also 

 accounts for those irregularities, great as well as small, 

 by which that is supposed to be modified. Revolu- 

 tions of the surface occurring during the system of 

 progressive change, counteract the ultimate result: 

 while original inequalities of figure or of hardness, 

 and greater power of resistance in certain parts, will 

 also explain why, even during so long a period of 

 time as may safely be granted, a more perfect general 

 figure has not yet been obtained. The hypothesis of 

 universal fluidity is said to be comparatively deficient ; 

 as, under this theory, no deviation from the statical 

 figure, beyond those irregularities which constitute the 

 immediate surface of the land, ought to have oc- 

 curred. 



A plausible hypothesis is not however necessarily 

 true. Geological readers need scarcely be informed 

 by whom this one was proposed; and it is not difficult 

 to perceive the bias by which he was influenced. 

 The presumed irregularities of the earth by which it 

 was chiefly supported, are by no means ascertained. 

 Mathematicians are far from satisfied respecting those 

 deviations which I have noticed in this chapter, and 

 on which it was the business of this hypothesis to 

 dwell. The apparent irregularities of the meridians 

 which have been deduced from observations in Eng- 

 land or elsewhere, have not convinced astronomers 

 that the earth is that irregular body which it con- 

 ceives. 



