The theory advanced by Prof. I. N. Vail accounts for the formation
of the earth’s crust, with its associated minerals, in the fact that
it was once surrounded by rings of aqueous vapor, containing much of
its present solid matter, which fell as mighty deluges. The last of
these rings descended at the time of the Noachian deluge and caused
that catastrophe, which is so graphically described by Moses, and
which tradition has sung in the ears of every tribe of Adam’s race.
The formation of these rings was caused by the intense heat, which
drove to an immense distance every substance which could be reduced to
vapor, and where they formed as annular bands or rings similar to those
surrounding the planet Saturn at the present time. After long ages the
portion nearest the earth slowly overcanopied the heavens, and owing to
the lack of centrifugal force began its descent at the poles.
This theory explains certain phenomena better than any other yet
advanced by scientists. It accounts for the uplift of mountains; the
deposit of coal and other minerals; the glacial age; the retardation
of the moon, and it alone explains much contained in the first eight
chapters of Genesis.
Prof. Vail has published a volume of about 400 pages on this subject,
which for clearness of statement and logical conclusions has seldom
been equaled by previous writers on scientific subjects. He deals in
convincing facts which are destined to overturn many pre-conceived
theories in the science of geology.
My object in sending forth this pamphlet is to call the attention of
intelligent readers to a theory which must engage the attention of
scientists in the future, and which will enable the geologist to make
clear many things which are now obscure. I respectfully ask for the
following pages a candid reading, and for further information on the
subject refer the reader to Prof. Vail’s “Story of the Rocks”, and to
other works of the gifted author, which are now passing through the
press.
VENTURA, CALIFORNIA, S. B.
September 1, 1892.