Illustrations of the Huttonian Theory of the Earth

John Playfair's (1748–1819) highly influential explanation and defence, first published in 1802, of James Hutton's geological theories.

John Playfair (Author)

9781108072311, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 19 May 2011

554 pages
21.6 x 14 x 3.1 cm, 0.7 kg

John Playfair (1748–1819) was a Scottish mathematician and geologist best known for his defence of James Hutton's geological theories. He attended the University of St Andrews, completing his theological studies in 1770. In 1785 he was appointed joint Professor of Mathematics at the University of Edinburgh, and in 1805 he was elected Professor of Natural Philosophy. This highly influential book, first published in 1802, contains Playfair's clarification and summary of Hutton's geological concepts. Playfair concisely explains Hutton's theories on erosion and geothermal heat in rock formation and the concept of uniformitarianism in geology, illustrating these theories with his own precise observations on different types of rock strata. The clarity of Playfair's explanations was instrumental in popularising Hutton's geological theories, many of which are now recognised as key principles of modern geology. Playfair's strident defence of Hutton's ideas formed part of a controversial debate between Hutton's supporters and his detractors.

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Introduction
Part I. Phenomena Peculiar to Stratified Bodies: 1. Materials of the strata
2. Consolidation of the strata
3. Position of the strata
Part II. Phenomena Peculiar to Unstratified Bodies: 1. Metallic veins
2. Whinstone
3. Granite
Part III. Phenomena Common to Stratified and Unstratified Bodies: Notes and Additions: 1. Origin of calcareous earth
2. Origin of coal
3. Primitive mountains
4. Primary strata not primitive
5. Transportation of the materials of the strata
6. Kirwan's notion of precipitation
7. Compression in the mineral regions
8. Sparry structure of calcareous petrifactions
9. Petroleum, etc.
10. The height above the level of the sea, at which marks of aqueous deposition are found
11. Fracture and dislocation of the strata
12. Elevation and inflexion of the strata
13. Metallic veins
14. On whinstone
15. On granite
16. Rivers and lakes
17. Remains of decomposed rocks
18. Transportation of stones, &c.
19. Transportation of materials by the sea
20. Inequalities of the planetary motions
21. Changes in the apparent level of the sea
22. Fossil bones
23. Geology of Kirwan and De Luc
24. System of Buffon
25. Figure of the earth
26. Prejudices relating to the theory of the earth.

Subject Areas: Earth sciences [RB]