1^6 
Mints for the Formation of 
13. Can we suppose that the electric and magnetic 
fluids enter^ as elements; into the composition of bodies ? 
14. Does it appear probable that the nitric, muriatic, 
and boracic acids, as well as the three alkalies, are of 
new formation $ while the sulphuric, phosphoric, carbo- 
nic, tungstic, molibdic, and arsenic acids existed before 
the formation of animals ?* 
15. If we believe that the mineral alkali or soda was 
of ancient formation, may we not suppose that the an- 
cient ocean held this alkali in solution ? That would ex- 
plain how it might have dissolved siliceous earth and ar- 
gil without being able to nourish animals. Afterwards, 
when the marine acid was formed, or had issued from 
some cavity, the sea might have become proper for ani- 
mals, and improper for the solution of siliceous earth and 
argil. 
16. Is it probable that in the first ages of the exist- 
ence of our globe its atmosphere was higher than at pre- 
sent ; that its lower strata were thus of a much greater 
density, and susceptible of receiving from the sun a 
greater heat ? 
17. May we presume that the waters of the ancient 
ocean, before the formation of the primitive mountains, 
had a heat superior to that of boiling water ? 
18. What temperature may we suppose at present to 
exist at the centre of the earth ? 
19. Is it possible that the quartzy earth found in petri- 
fied vegetables and animals has proceeded from the sub- 
stance of these bodies ? 
chap. m. 
Historical Monuments . 
Though the grand revolutions of our globe have been 
anterior to all histories and monuments of art, light may, 
Tbeorie de la Terre de M. de Lametherie. 
