From:
Sir John Herschel
To:
Charles Babbage
Date:
[20 February 1836]
Source of text:
9th Treatise, 202-17
Summary:
Speculates on extinction of species by natural (not miraculous) causes intermediate to Creator. JH's theory of shifting crust over Earth's surface and its subsequent transfer of pressure. Seeks geological primum mobile for volcanoes based on continual deposition and melting of strata. 'All records of former worlds must ultimately perish.'
Contributor:
John Herschel Project