CHAPTER XI.

The Earth. The idea entertained by some celebrated men,

and others 197

Difficulties of forming a sphere out of a lens-shaped nebula 199

Various studies of the earth's interior made for special

purposes. Difficulty some people find in conceiving

how the average density of little over 5·66 can be

possible, the earth being a hollow sphere 200

What is gained by its being a hollow shell 201

Geological theories of the interior discussed. Volcanoes

and earthquakes in relation to the interior 202

Liquid matter on the interior surface of the shell, and

gases in the hollow, better means for eruptions than

magma layers 206

Focal depths of earthquakes within reach of water,

but not of lavas 207

Minute vesicles in granite filled with gases, oxygen and

hydrogen, but not water 209

The Moon. A small edition of the earth 211

Rotation stopped. Convulsions and cataclysms caused thereby.

Air, water, vapour driven off thereby to far-off

hemisphere. Liquid matter in hollow interior would

gravitate to the inside of the nearest hemisphere 212

Form and dimensions during rotation. Altered form after

it stopped 213

Agreeing very closely with Hansen's "curious theory" 214

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