3S2 



APPENDIX. 



proof of the plastic quality of superior life, and the like- 

 lihood that circumstances have been yery different in 

 the different epochs, though steady in each, tend strongly 

 to heighten the probability of the latter theory. 



When we view the immense calcareous and bituminous 

 formations, principally from the waters and atmosphere, 

 and consider the oxidations and depositions which have 

 taken place, either gradually, or during some of the great 

 convulsions, it appears at least probable, that the liquid 

 elements containing life have varied considerably at dif- 

 ferent times in composition and in weight ; that our at- 

 mosphere has contained a much greater proportion of 

 carbonic acid or oxygen ; and our waters, aided by excess 

 of carbonic acid, and greater heat resulting from gi*eater 

 density of atmosphere, have contained a greater quanti- 

 ty of lime and other mineral solutions. Is the inference 

 then unphilosophic, that li^^ng things which are proved 

 to have a circumstance-suiting power^ — a very slight 

 change of circumstance by culture inducing a corres- 

 ponding change of character — may have gradually ac- 

 commodated themselves to the variations of the elements 

 containing them, and, without new creation, have present- 

 ed the diverging changeable phenomena of past and pre- 

 sent organized existence. 



The destructive liquid currents, before which the hard- 

 est mountains have been swept and comminuted into 

 gravel, sand, and mud, which intervened between and di- 

 vided these epochs, probably extending over the whole 

 surface of the globe^ and destroying nearly all living 



