This argument, from the state of those
marine bodies will not be allowed, perhaps by the generality of
mineralists, who attribute to the operations of water every species of
petrifaction or mineralisation; but, until some species of proof be
given with regard to the truth of that theory, which vulgar error first
suggested, I must reason from a theory, in proof of which I have given
clear examples, and, I think, irrefragable arguments, which shall be
more and more illustrated. Thus may be removed the necessity of a
general deluge, or any great catastrophe, in order to bring together
things so foreign to each other; but at the same time we would ascertain
this fact, That formerly the Elephant and Rhinoceros had lived in
Siberia. (See Voyage de Pallas, Tom. II. p. 377 and 403.)]
Having thus endeavoured to remove this prevailing prejudice, of there
being primitive parts in this earth, parts of which the composition and
constitution are not to be explained upon the principles of natural
philosophy, it will be proper to inquire, how far there may be in the
theory, which has now been given, principles by which may be explained
those appearances that have led natural philosophers to form
conclusions, of there being in this earth parts whose origin may not be
traced; and of there being parts whose origin may not be explained upon
the same principles which apply so well to all the rest.
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