PREFACE. 
xii 
those shells, which have been left in parts over which former seas 
have flowed. Among these shells he places the Ammonite, the 
Belemnite, and the Orthoceratite ; but it is expected that it will be 
shown in the following pages that all these shells possess a peculiar 
structure, which belongs to such an organization, as would have 
enabled those animals to raise themselves up to, and even to support 
themselves at, the surface of the water. 
Many have been led to doubt the total extinction of some species, 
and the late creation of others, as circumstances which would be in- 
compatible with the power and wisdom of the Almighty, who, they 
conceive, would have formed a creation so complete at first, as to 
have required no subsequent change. Without dwelling on the im- 
propriety of such modes of reasoning, it must be observed, that the 
facts are indubitable, and afford a direct proof of the Creator of the 
universe continuing a superintending providence over the works of 
his hands. That the extinction of species may be taking place even 
in our days, seems to be shown by the discovery of dead shells in the 
island of St. Helena, differing from any known species of recent or 
of fossil shells. The small remaining number of some species of 
animals, such as the Dodo and the sloths, seems also to give some 
support to this opinion. 
