Principles of Geology; or The Modern Changes of the Earth and its Inhabitants considered as illustrative of Geology. ...

This is a rare or used book from the Berkelouw Rare Books Department.

London: John Murray 1853. Thick 8vo. Orig. embossed green cloth with gilt on front and spine (heavily stained flecked and shelf-soiled). (xii 836 32pp.). With frontisps. 4 full-page plates some of which are folded and numerous text-illusts. 9th entirely revised edition. Some of the pages foxed with cockling. Previous owner's name handwritten on front endpaper from 1858. Hinges cracked. NOTE: This work has been called the most important scientific book ever. Lyell's Principles of Geology shook prevailing views of how Earth had been formed. His book was an attack on the common belief among geologists and other Christians that unique catastrophes or supernatural events -- such as Noah's flood -- shaped Earth's surface. Lyell argued that the formation of Earth's crust took place through countless smaller changes occurring over long periods of time all according to known natural laws. Charles Darwin read Lyell's landmark text while on the Voyage of the Beagle and was much inspired by it.