M6 On the Paleozoic Formations of the Earth. 
A Suggestive Paper on the Paleozoic Formations of the 
Earth. By E. Pueus, B.A., Vicar of Bangor Cathedral. 
Communicated by the Author. 
The prevailing opinion relative to the Mosaic account of the 
creation, appears to me to be this: That it undertakes to re- 
present that event asa phase in this world’s existence, rather 
than as its genesis from chaos, or its original formation into 
its present planetary state——the crowning event in that 
phase or development being the creation of man. 
But the recent discoveries in geological, science as to the 
different strata of the earth, and the existence therein. of 
palzozoic remains, fossils, and flora, together with the in- 
conceivably long epochs required in order to the solidifying 
of such formations, are as perplexing to the mind, as they 
are irreconcilable with the less learned, but more generally 
received, notions of the Mosaic theory. 
A new and somewhat easier solution of this difficulty has 
presented itself to my mind; and inasmuch as it militates 
not against the Inspired account, or the traditional notions of 
mankind on the subject, I humbly submit it to your more 
experienced readers, in order that, on scientific principles 
its probability may be tested. 
The first and most prominent point in the Inspired Record, 
is, that “the earth ” (the materiel, 1 apprehend, from which 
the earth. was created) “was without form and void,”—form- 
less and opaque—a description that accords with our notions 
of the chaotic state of matters previous to the planetary for- 
mation of this earth; “and the Spirit of God moved upon 
the face of the water,’’—so moved upon it that by the power- 
ful action of that element, teeming perhaps like its kindred 
chaotic substances with indigenous organic remains (a pro- 
cess which would account for marine strata in high altitudes, 
and increase the probability of drifts), the earth, as part of 
the solar system, which it was not previously, assumed its 
present spheroidal and illuminated form. 
But the hypothesis, which I would further suggest in order 
to the solution of geological difficulties, and their perfect 
reconcilableness with the Mosaic record, is this: Let us 
