First Sentence

"Connexion between the subjects treated of in the former parts of this work and those to be discussed in the present volume-Erroneous assumption of the earlier geologists respecting the discordance of the former and actual causes of change-Opposite system of inquiry adopted in this work-Illustrations from the history of the progress of Geology of the respective merits of the two systems-Habit of indulging conjectures respecting irregular and extraordinary agents not yet abandoned-Necessity in the present state of science of prefixing to a work on Geology treatises respecting the changes now in progress in the animate and inanimate world."