94 The American Geologist. February, i904. 
Also along the Vermilion river two bottoms may be noted, 
more or less equally developed on either side of the stream, 
their favorable development not being obstructed by bold relief 
of the topography. They are fairly settled, especially around 
Centerville. 
GEOLOGY UNDER THE NEW HYPOTHESIS OF 
EARTH-ORIGIN.* 
By Herman LkRoy Fairchild, Rochester, N. Y. 
CONTENTS. 
Introduction S'l' 
Comparison of tlie nebular and planetesimal hypotheses.... 95 
Origin of the atmosphere 96 
Origin of the ocean 99 
Earliest sedimentary rocks ■ 100 
Volcanic phenomena 101 
Source of the hydrocarbons 104 
Genesis of metalliferous deposits 107 
Origin of gypsum and salt deposits 107 
Geologic climates 108 
Glaciation Ill 
Diastrophic movements 112 
Irregularities of the earth's figure 113 
Life on the earth 114 
Conclusion 115 
INTRODUCTION. 
The nebular hypothesis w^as not a scientific induction, but 
cosmic philosophy. Propounded by Swedenborg and Kant, it 
was given mathematical form by Laplace in a tentative way. 
It has been called the grandest conception of the human mind, 
and for the eighteenth century it might have been regarded 
as good science. It fails, however, to meet the requirements 
of a modern scientific hypothesis because it does not explain all 
the facts. But in the absence of any rival theory it has held 
possession of the field, and has been more generally accepted 
on insufficient basis than any other conception in scientific 
philosophy. The time has come for judgment and probable 
condemnation of the old hypothesis. The formulation of a 
new and better hypothesis by an honored fellow and former 
president of this society (Professor T. C. Chamberlin) will be 
recognized in the future as opening a new epoch in earth- 
•Read at the St. Louis meeting of the Geological Society of America Jan- 
uary 1, 1904, and published here by courtesj' of the Council. In the Bulletin 
of the Soc/ety, volume XT, the paper will be accompanied by the discussion 
contributed by the Fellows of the SocietT. 
