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THE VAILAN OR ANNULAR THEORY.
A Synopsis of Prof. I. N. Vail’s Argument in Support of the Claim thatthis Earth once Possessed a Saturn-like System of Rings.
PREPARED BY
STEPHEN BOWERS, A. M., Ph. D.
Editor of the Ventura Observer.
FELLOW OF THE GEOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA, CORRESPONDING MEMBER OFTHE AMERICAN GEOGRAPHIC SOCIETY, PHILADELPHIA ACADEMYOF SCIENCES, ETC., ETC., ETC.
VENTURA, CALIFORNIA:
THE OBSERVER PRESS PRINT.
1892.
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PREFACE.
The theory advanced by Prof. I. N. Vail accounts for the formation ofthe earth’s crust, with its associated minerals, in the fact that it was oncesurrounded by rings of aqueous vapor, containing much of its presentsolid matter, which fell as mighty deluges. The last of these rings descendedat the time of the Noachian deluge and caused that catastrophe,which is so graphically described by Moses, and which tradition has sungin the ears of every tribe of Adam’s race. The formation of these ringswas caused by the intense heat, which drove to an immense distance everysubstance which could be reduced to vapor, and where they formed asannular bands or rings similar to those surrounding the planet Saturn atthe present time. After long ages the portion nearest the earth slowlyovercanopied the heavens, and owing to the lack of centrifugal forcebegan its descent at the poles.
This theory explains certain phenomena better than any other yet advancedby scientists. It accounts for the uplift of mountains; the depositof coal and other minerals; the glacial age; the retardation of the moon,and it alone explains much contained in the first eight chapters of Genesis.
Prof. Vail has published a volume of about 400 pages on this subject,which for clearness of statement and logical conclusions has seldom beenequaled by previous writers on scientific subjects. He deals in convincingfacts which are destined to overturn many pre-conceived theories in thescience of geology.
My object in sending forth this pamphlet is to call the attention of intelligentreaders to a theory which must engage the attention of scientistsin the future, and which will enable the geologist to make clear manythings which are now obscure. I respectfully ask for the following pagesa candid reading, and for further information on the subject refer thereader to Prof. Vail’s “Story of the Rocks”, and to other works of thegifted author, which are now passing through the press.
S. B.
Ventura, California,
September 1, 1892.
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THE VAILAN OR ANNULAR SYSTEM.
