Stellar Evolution and Its Relations to Geological Time

by James Croll

"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.