The Surface-History of the Earth

Abstract

A BOOK which has for its chief object the exposition of a group of geological hypotheses of a highly speculative character is likely soon to become out-of-date as geophysical evidence accumulates and as quantitative criticism is applied to processes envisaged in the light of incomplete knowledge. This fate rapidly befell the first edition of Prof. Joly's well-known book. It is therefore of special interest to consider how the author has dealt with recent advances bearing on his theory of thermal cycles and with the various criticisms, adverse or constructive! that represent the reactions towards it of other workers in the same field. Judged in this way, the second edition can only be regarded as disappointing.

The Surface-History of the Earth.

Dr. John Joly. Second edition. Pp. xxi + 211 + 13 plates. (Oxford: Clarendon Press; London: Oxford University Press, 1930:) 8s. 6d. net.