It has been modified by many great revolutions, brought about by an inner mechanism of which we very imperfectly comprehend the movements; but of which we gain a glimpse by studying their effects:
ADAM SEDGWICKYet Mr. Lyell will admit no greater paroxysms than we ourselves have witnessed-no periods of feverish spasmodic energy, during which the very framework of nature has been convulsed and torn asunder.
More Adam Sedgwick Quotes
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we must suppose all the covering of moss and heath and wood to be torn away from the sides of the mountains, and the green mantle that lies near their feet to be lifted up;
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But just as we begin to enter on the history of physical changes going on before our eyes, and in which we ourselves bear a part,
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Indirectly modifying the whole surface of the earth, breaking in upon any supposition of zoological continuity, and utterly unaccounted for by what we have any right to call the laws of nature.
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The powers of nature are never in repose; her work never stands still.
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The sober facts of geology shuffled, so as to play a rogue’s game; phrenology (that sinkhole of human folly and prating coxcombry); spontaneous generation; transmutation of species; and I know not what; all to be swallowed, without tasting and trying
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The pretended physical philosophy of modern days strips Man of all his moral attributes
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If the [Vestiges] be true, the labours of sober induction are in vain; religion is a lie; human law is a mass of folly, and a base injustice; morality is moonshine
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Or holds them of no account in the estimate of his origin and place in the created world.
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we may then see the muscular integuments, and sinews, and bones of our mother Earth,
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Volcanic action is essentially paroxysmal
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A cold atheistical materialism is the tendency of the so-called material philosophy of the present day.
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Our labours for the black people of Africa were works of madmen; and man and woman are only better beasts!
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We cannot take one step in geology without drawing upon the fathomless stores of by-gone time.
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And their many causes still acting on the surface of our globe with undiminished power, which are changing, and will continue to change it, as long as it shall last.
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And why is this done? For no other reason, I am sure, except to make us independent of a Creator.
ADAM SEDGWICK