Projekt: Bestände der Universitätsbibliothek Freiberg
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Parlamentsperiode
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Wahlperiode
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Titel
Chap. V. Theory Of The Diminuation Of The Waters Of The Globe. - Description Of Overlying Formations. - An Investigation Of The Contents Of The Original Waters Of The Globe During The Different Periods Of The Earth's Formation. - The Division Of Rocks Into Five Great Classes
78 INTERNAL STRUCTURE. occurrence ; andbefides, thefe partial elevations of the water depend on particular circumftances, which can in general be pointed out. Thus, the change in the dire&ion of currents, produced by the accumulation of water by winds, the alteration of the fhape of coafts, and of the furface of the land, and many other caufes, produce alterations in the level of the ocean. The great and incontroverti ble proofs which the internal ftru&ure and exter nal afpedt of mountains afford, of the diminution of the waters of the globe, were totally unknown to Linnaeus and thofe philofophers who fupported the theory of its diminution. It is therefore not furprifing that it fhould have been confidered as in fome degree doubtful. The obfervations of Lin naeus were too local and confined, and by no means permitted the ufe he attempted to make of them. It was referved for Werner to give this theory {lability. With his ufual acutenefs, he foon dif- covered that the important documents for the il- luftration of this great phenomenon, were not to be fought for in the formations that have taken place within the limits of human hiftory, but in the mountains themfelves, thofe mighty aquatic for mations. His inveftigations were attended with complete fuccefs; for he difcovered, ift, That the outgoings of the newer Jirata are generally lower than the outgoings of the older, from granite down~ wards to the alluvial depojitions, and this not in par- ticular fpots, but around the whole globe. 2d, That the