Climatic Changes: Their Nature and Causes

Climatic Changes: Their Nature and Causes

Unity is perhaps the keynote of modern science. This means unity in time, for the present is but the outgrowth of the past, and the future of the present. It means unity of process, for there seems to be no sharp dividing line between organic and inorganic, physical and mental, mental and spiritual. And the unity of modern science means also a growing tendency toward coperation, so that by working together scientists discover much that would else have remained hid. This book illustrates the modern trend toward unity in all of these ways. First, it is a companion volume to Earth and Sun. That volume is a discussion of the causes of weather, but a consideration of the weather of the present almost inevitably leads to a study of the climate of the past. Hence the two books were written originally as one, and were only separated from considerations of convenience. Second, the unity of nature is so great that when a subject such as climatic changes is considered, it is almost impossible to avoid other subjects, such as the movements of the earth's crust. Hence this book not only discusses climatic changes, but considers the causes of earthquakes and attempts to show how climatic changes may be related to great geological revolutions in the form, location, and altitude of the lands. Thus the book has a direct bearing on all the main physical factors which have molded the evolution of organic life, including man. In the third place, this volume illustrates the unity of modern science because it is preminently a coperative product. Not only have the two authors shared in its production, but several of the Yale Faculty have also coperated. From the geological standpoint, Professor Charles Schuchert has read the entire manuscript in its final form as well as parts at various stages. He has helped not only by criticisms, suggestions, and facts, but by paragraphs ready for the printer. In the same way in the domain of physics, Professor Leigh Page has repeatedly taken time to assist, and either in writing or by word of mouth has contributed many pages. In astronomy, the same cordial coperation has come with equal readiness from Professor Frank Schlesinger. Professors Schuchert, Schlesinger, and Page have contributed so materially that they are almost co-authors of the volume. In mathematics, Professor Ernest W. Brown has been similarly helpful, having read and criticised the entire book. In certain chemical problems, Professor Harry W. Foote has been our main reliance. The advice and suggestions of these men have frequently prevented errors, and have again and again started new and profitable lines of thought. If we have made mistakes, it has been because we have not profited sufficiently by their coperation. If the main hypothesis of this book proves sound, it is largely because it has been built up in constant consultation with men who look at the problem from different points of vision. Our appreciation of their generous and unstinted coperation is much deeper than would appear from this brief paragraph. ......Buy Now (To Read More)

Product details

Ebook Number: 37855
Author: Huntington, Ellsworth
Release Date: Oct 26, 2011
Format: eBook
Language: English

Contributors

Contributor (Author): Visher, Stephen Sargent, 1887-1967