Principles of Geology 3 Volume Paperback Set
An Attempt to Explain the Former Changes of the Earth's Surface, by Reference to Causes now in Operation

In 1830–33, Charles Lyell laid the foundations of evolutionary biology with Principles of Geology, a pioneering book that Charles Darwin took with him on the Beagle.

Charles Lyell (Author)

9781108001342, Cambridge University Press

Multiple-component retail product, published 24 September 2009

1999 pages
21.5 x 13.7 x 9 cm, 1.97 kg

In 1830–33, Charles Lyell laid the foundations of evolutionary biology with Principles of Geology, a pioneering book that Charles Darwin took with him on the Beagle. Volume 1 discusses the effects on the Earth's crust of climate change, running water, volcanic eruptions and earthquakes, and supports James Hutton's theory of uniformitarianism, now a guiding principle of geology. Volume 2 (1832) focuses on plants and animals, their distribution, diffusion, migrations and adaptation to changing habitats, and considers the theories of Lamarck, while Volume 3 periodises sedimentary and volcanic rock formations and considers the marine fossil record. The books are generously illustrated and thoroughly indexed. Lyell writes with infectious enthusiasm, conveying the excitement of his fieldwork and discoveries in this landmark book, which remains of interest to geologists and historians of science alike.

Volume I: 1. Geology defined
2. Oriental cosmogony
3. Arabian writers of the tenth century
4. Werner's application of geology to the art of mining
5. Review of the causes which have retarded the progress of geology
6. Proofs that the climate of the northern hemisphere was formerly hotter
7. On the causes of vicissitudes in climate
8. Geological proofs that the geographical features of the northern hemisphere were such as would give rise to an extremely hot climate
9. Theory of the progressive development of organic life considered
10. Division of the subject into changes of the organic and inorganic world
11. Action of running water, continued
12. Difference between the transporting power of springs and rivers
13. Reproductive effects of running water
14. Oceanic deltas
15. Destroying and transporting effects of tides and currents
16. Action of tides and currents, continued
17. Reproductive effects of tides and currents
18. Division of igneous agents into the volcano and the earthquake
19. History of the volcanic eruptions in the district of Naples
20. Dimensions and structure of the cone of Vesuvius
21. External physiognomy of Etna
22. Volcanic Archipelagos
23. Earthquakes and their effects
24. Earthquake in Calabria, February 5th, 1783
25. Earthquakes of the eighteenth century, continued
26. Magnitude of the subterranean changes produced by earthquakes at great depths below the surface
Volume II: Preface
1. Changes of the organic world
2. Recapitulation of the arguments
3. Variability of a species
4. Consideration of the question whether species have a real existence
5. Laws which regulate the geographical distribution of species
6. Geographical distribution of animals
7. Geographical distribution and migration of fish
8. Theories respecting the original introduction of species
9. The circumstances which constitute the stations of animals are changeable
10. Influence of organic causes in changing the habitations of species
11. Theory of the successive extinction of species
12. Effects produced by the powers of vitality
13. Effects produced by the action of animals and vegetable life
14. Imbedding of organic remains in alluvium and the ruins caused by landslips
15. Imbedding of organic remains in subaqueous deposits
16. Imbedding of the remains of man and his works in subaqueous strata
17. Imbedding of aquatic species in subaqueous strata
18. Formation of coral reefs
Volume III: 1. Connexion between the subjects treated of in the former parts of this work and those to be discussed in the present volume
2. Arrangement of the materials composing the earth's crust
3. Different circumstances under which the secondary and tertiary formations may have originated
4. Chronological relations of mineral masses the first object in geological classification
5. Classification of tertiary formations in chronological order
6. Newer Pliocene formations
7. Marine and volcanic formations at the base of Etna
8. Speculations on the origin of the Val del Bove on Etna
9. Origin of the newer Pliocene strata of Sicily
10. Tertiary formations of Campania
11. Newer Pliocene freshwater formations
12. Geological monuments of the older Pliocene period
13. Crag of Norfolk and Suffolk
14. Volcanic rocks of the older Pliocene period
15. Miocene period
16. Miocene alluviums
17. Eocene period
18. Marine formations of the Eocene period
19. Volcanic rocks of the Eocene period
20. Eocene formations, continued
21. Denudation of secondary strata during the deposition of the English Eocene formations
22. Denudation of the Valley of the Weald, continued
23. Secondary formations
24. On the relative antiquity of different mountain-chains
25. On the rocks usually termed 'primary'
26. On the stratified rocks usually called 'primary'.

Subject Areas: Geological surface processes [geomorphology RBGD]