CLASSIFICATION OF IGNEOUS INTRUSIVE BODIES 503 



Batholith. — Suess 1 has finally stated the definition of "batholith" 

 in terms of a theory of intrusion which is at present in discussion. 

 His definition may be freely translated thus: "A batholith is a stock- 

 shaped or shield-shaped mass intruded as the result of fusion of older 

 formations (orig. Durchschmelzungsmasse). On the removal of its 

 rock-cover and on continued denudation, this mass either holds its 



Fig. 8 



diameter or grows broader to unknown depths (orig. bis in die ewige 

 Teuje). 2 The name was invented to describe those largest of all 

 intrusions, generally granitic, which are characteristically found in 

 great mountain ranges; including, thus, "central granites," "intru- 

 sive mountain-cores," "Fussgranit," etc. The name has since been 

 commonly used for bodies of intrusive rock with the general char- 

 acteristics of stocks, but of much larger size than is generally attrib- 

 uted to stocks or bosses. This latter use is, moreover, rarely 



1 Sitzungsberichte der Wiener Akademie, Vol. CIV (1895), p. 52. 

 - Compare Chamberlin and Salisbury, op. cit., p. 477; and W. Salomon, Tscher- 

 mak's Miner alogische tend petrographische Mittheilungen, Vol. XVII (1897), p. 31. 



