Principles of geology

The evolution of geological thought: from ancient theories to modern understanding

Charles Lyell

336 pages, parution le 12/02/2024

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Résumé

The text provides an in-depth exploration of the historical development of geological thought, tracing its origins from ancient Eastern and Egyptian philosophies to the more structured theories of Greek philosophers like Pythagoras and Aristotle. Early Eastern doctrines, as seen in the hymns of the Vedas and the Ordinances of Menu, posited a cyclical view of the world, characterized by successive destructions and renewals. This concept was mirrored in Egyptian beliefs and later adopted by Greek thinkers, who began to incorporate observations of natural phenomena into their theories. Pythagoras introduced the idea of a world in constant flux, where nothing perishes but merely changes form. Aristotle expanded on this by suggesting that the earth's surface undergoes gradual transformations over time, influenced by natural forces such as earthquakes and volcanic activity. Strabo and Pliny further contributed to this evolving understanding by documenting geological changes and proposing theories about the shifting of land and sea. Despite these advancements, ancient scholars did not fully grasp the implications of their observations, particularly regarding the antiquity of the earth and its life forms. The text highlights the gradual shift from mythological explanations to more empirical observations, setting the stage for modern geology's focus on understanding the earth's history through its physical and biological records.