Author
James Croll
1821-1890
James Croll (1821-1890) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
WikipediaBooks by James Croll
Climate and Time in Their Geological Relations A Theory of Secular Changes of the Earth's Climate
"Climate and Time in Their Geological Relations" by James Croll is a scientific publication written in the late 19th century. The work explores the concept of secular changes in the Earth's climate, particularly as they relate to geological phenomena such as the glacial epochs and the distribution of flora and fauna across different climatic zones. Croll aims to substantiate his theories with a rigorous presentation of facts and established physical principles, sidestepping hypothetical scenarios. The opening of the volume presents a preface in which Croll outlines his aims and the foundation of his subsequent arguments. He stresses the significance of understanding the climate as a dynamic agency influencing geological formations rather than attributing changes solely to violent geological events. Croll argues that the changes in Earth's climate are primarily governed by astronomical causes and emphasizes the importance of ocean currents and their role in distributing heat across the globe. He indicates that the investigation into how these climatic agents, which have consistently influenced geological history, forms the basis of the work, setting the stage for an in-depth analysis of the interplay between climate and geological change throughout different epochs.
Stellar Evolution and Its Relations to Geological Time
"Stellar Evolution and Its Relations to Geological Time" by James Croll is a scientific publication written in the late 19th century. This work delves into the origins of energy within the sun and solar system and how these sources relate to geological time, particularly examining theories of stellar origins and their implications for understanding the age of the Earth and its processes. The book is underpinned by a theoretical framework that challenges established beliefs about gravitation as the primary source of solar energy. The opening of the publication sets the stage for a detailed inquiry into the nature of cosmic energy, proposing two potential sources: gravitation and another source, which Croll elaborates on in subsequent sections. He introduces the "Impact Theory," positing that stars, including the sun, formed from hot gaseous nebulas produced by collisions between massive dark stellar bodies. Croll discusses foundational principles of his theory, emphasizing the importance of understanding the origins of various celestial bodies such as meteorites, comets, and nebulæ, and hints at how this framework will help unravel the age of the sun's heat in relation to geological time.