“Geological Results of the Earth’s Contraction in consequence of Cooling.” [Pp. 176–188 in:] The American Journal of Science and Arts, Second Series, Vol. III, No. 8—March, 1847.
James D. Dana on the Structure of the Earth, 1847
Dana Formulates America’s Classic Contraction Model of the Earth.
First journal appearance of this substantial American contribution to contraction theory, a dominant nineteenth-century geological model of mountain-building. In “Geological Results of the Earth’s Contraction in consequence of Cooling,” Dana argued that the cooling of the globe must inevitably cause contraction of the earth’s crust, leading to depressions, elevations, and the formation of mountain chains. The essay closely engaged with contemporary European theorists such as Élie de Beaumont and Cordier, while adapting their ideas for an American readership. Dana’s paper helped establish contraction theory as the prevailing explanation for geological structure in the United States, holding sway until displaced by plate tectonics in the twentieth century. The paper is illustrated with seven figures.
James Dwight Dana (1813–1895), one of the foremost American geologists and mineralogists of the nineteenth century, taught at Yale for over forty years. A prolific author, Dana wrote the standard System of Mineralogy (1837) and Manual of Geology (1862). His work spanned mineral classification, volcanology, and tectonics, and he played a critical role in institutionalizing geology as a scientific discipline in America.
Very scarce in its original printed wrappers, with other important contributions including “A General Review of the Geology of Russia” by M. E. de Verneuil, “On Coracite, a new Ore of Uranium” by John L. Le Conte, “Hybridity in Animals, considered in reference to the question of the Unity of the Human Species” by Samuel George Morton, “Observations on the uses of the Mounds of the West, with an attempt at their Classification” by E. G. Squier, and “Description of a Fossil Maxillary Bone of a Palaeotherium from near White River” by Hiram A. Prout.
Description: “Geological Results of the Earth’s Contraction in consequence of Cooling.” [Pp. 176–188 in:] The American Journal of Science and Arts, Second Series, Vol. III, No. 8—March, 1847.
New Haven: Printed for the Editors by B.L. Hamlen, Printer to Yale College, 1847. Octavo. Pp. [Preliminary matter], [153]–312. Illustrated with engravings. Original printed wrappers, toned. Small split at spine shoulder of front wrap. A well-preserved copy.
[3735475]Price: $350.00