PREFACE. IX 



of the different theories of the earth that have been proposed. 

 In the communications, therefore, which are now submitted to the 

 pubHc, every latitude has been allowed to authors, with regard to 

 their theoretical inferences from the observations which they record ; 

 it being understood, according to the rule of Literary and Philoso- 

 phical Societies in general, that the writers alone are responsible 

 for the facts and opinions, which their papers may contain. 



In the selection which the Editors have made from the com- 

 munications read at the Society's meetings, they have been influ- 

 enced by a desire of laying before the public new and important 

 information in the different departments of geological research. 



The periods, at which the subsequent volumes of the Transactions 

 of the Society may appear, must depend upon the zeal and exertions 

 of the Members at large ; and upon the contributions which may be 

 received from individuals, devoted to geological pursuits, and who, 

 though not immediately connected with the Society, may yet feel 

 disposed to promote its objects. 



House of the Geological Sociefi/, 



No. 3, Lincoln's Inn Fields, London^ 

 June 28, 1811. 



