The probable cause of the displacement of beach-lines 



An attempt to compute geological epochs 

 By 

 A. BIytt 



(Presented to the Society 9 Dec. 1887 and 1 June 1888). 



This Paper is an attempt to explain in greater detail, 

 and to substantiate hypotheses which I already five years since 

 propounded. It contains an attempt to introduce a means of 

 computing geological time. It is presented without making any 

 further claim for it than being what Englishmen call „a work- 

 ing hypothesis." It was the distribution of plants that first led 

 the author to consider this important subject, but the problem 

 of geological time cannot be solved without calling to our aid, 

 it may well be said, the whole of the natural sciences. The 

 problem can consequently not be solved by any one man. Whilst 

 I now propound my hypothesis, I would crave the indulgence of 

 my readers for the many imperfections which must attend such 

 an attempt, and I venture to hope that the hypothesis may, at 

 any rate, be found worth a minute examination. 



