a Theory of the Earth, 
however? be acquired from the traditions which history 
has preserved :* 
1. In regard to the situation of those countries which 
were first inhabited. 
2. In regard to the order in which they were succes- 
sively inhabited. 
We shall thence see whether it be true? as some trad! 
lions assert? that this habitation was determined by the 
progressive retiring of the waters ; and by coming to pe- 
riods less remote and less involved in obscurity? history 
may point out to us — 
3. The changes undergone by the seas? lakes? rivers? 
and even some of the solid parts of the globe. 
4. It will throw some light on the origin of the differ- 
ent races of men and animals ; on the modifications they 
have experienced ; and on the real or pretended loss of 
some of these races. 
5. The deluges or great inundations ; their epochs and 
extent. 
6. Whether there exist proofs of the diminution of the 
water of the sea ; and what may be the cause of it ? 
7. If it be probable that large caverns have been open- 
ed in the bowels of the earth? and that these caverns 
swallowed up a part of the waters ? 
8. Do there exist any historical monuments which 
prove that the countries at present cold were formerly so 
warm as to favour the multiplication of plants and ani 
mals which are no longer found but in the torrid zone ? 
chap. iv. 
Observations to be made on the Seas . 
i. Their form? extent? and situation ; those of their 
great gulfs and straits ; their relative elevation. 
* And also from the analogy between the languages and customs of different 
countries. Til. 
