136 : Scientific Intelligence. 
ance of therequilibrium of pressure consequent upon the transfer of sedi- 
ments while the yielding surface reposes upon a mass of matter partly 
liquid and partly solid.” 
We conclude with the following extracts, and with two notes appended 
to the Canadian reprint of Mr. Hunt’s papers, in one of which he calls 
too much in advance of his time, have hitherto been overlooke . 
“The metamorphism of sediments in situ, their displacement in a pasty 
condition from igneo-aqueous fusion as plutonic rocks, and their ejection 
as lavas with attendant gases and vapors are then all results of t @ same 
cause, and depend upon the differences in the chemical composition of 
the sediments, the temperature, and the depth to which they are buried: 
while the unstratified nucleus of the earth, which is doubtless anhydrous, 
and according to the calculations of Messrs. Hopkins and Hennessey, 
probably solid to a great depth, intervenes in the phenomena under con- 
sideration only as a source of heat.” * 
ceased in the palzozoic regions. Both normal metamorphism and yor 
canic action are generally connected with elevations and foldings of the 
earth’s crust, all of which phenomena we conceive to have a common 
the Appalachians of North America mark the direction and extent of the 
great accumulation of sediments by the oceanic currents during the whole 
* “The notion that volcanic phenomena have their seat in the sedimentary forma 
tions of the earth’s crust, and are dependent upon th bustion of ' 6 
is, as Hum marks, one which belongs to the infane 
Christian Keferstein published his Naturgeschichte des Erdle 
tains that all crystalline non-stratified i 
the transformation of sedimentary strata, in part very recent, : 
well-defined line to be drawn between neptunian and yoleanic rocks, since th 
into each other. Volcanic pl accordi i i 
igneous fluid centre, nor an oxydizing metallic nucleus, but in : me 
formations, where they are the result of a peculiar process of fermentation, W4! 
stallizes and arranges in new forms the elements of the sedimentary st 
a 
