The Earth's Beginning

Robert Stawell Ball

• Publisher: Science & Technology Publishing
• Year: 2025
• eBook ISBN: 9782528116258
• Topic: Physical Sciences
• Subtopic: Environmental Science

The Earth's Beginning by Sir Robert Stawell Ball is a comprehensive and engaging exploration of the origins and early history of our planet, written by one of the most prominent astronomers of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. In this work, Ball delves into the mysteries of the Earth's formation, drawing upon the latest scientific discoveries and theories of his time. He guides readers through the fascinating processes that shaped the Earth, from the swirling clouds of cosmic dust in the primordial solar system to the gradual cooling and solidification of the planet's surface. The book covers a wide range of topics, including the nature of the nebulae, the development of the Earth's atmosphere and oceans, the formation of continents and mountains, and the origins of life itself. Ball's clear and accessible prose makes complex scientific concepts understandable to general readers, while his enthusiasm for the subject shines through on every page. He discusses the evidence for the Earth's great antiquity, the role of volcanoes and earthquakes in shaping the landscape, and the ongoing changes that continue to transform the planet. Throughout The Earth's Beginning, Ball combines scientific rigor with vivid descriptions and imaginative speculation, inviting readers to ponder the vast timescales and powerful forces that have shaped our world. The book is richly illustrated with diagrams and plates that help to clarify key points and bring the story of the Earth's early history to life. Whether you are a student of science, a lover of natural history, or simply curious about the origins of our planet, The Earth's Beginning offers a captivating and informative journey through the dawn of Earth and the unfolding of its remarkable story.

Table of contents

• THE EARTH’S BEGINNING
• FOREWORD
• CONTENTS
• LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS
• CHAPTER I. INTRODUCTION.
• CHAPTER II. THE PROBLEM STATED.
• CHAPTER III. THE FIRE-MIST.
• CHAPTER IV. NEBULÆ—APPARENT AND REAL.
• CHAPTER V. THE HEAT OF THE SUN.
• CHAPTER VI. HOW THE SUN’S HEAT IS MAINTAINED.
• CHAPTER VII. THE HISTORY OF THE SUN.
• CHAPTER VIII. THE EARTH’S BEGINNING.
• CHAPTER IX. EARTHQUAKES AND VOLCANOES.
• CHAPTER X. SPIRAL AND PLANETARY NEBULÆ.
• CHAPTER XI. THE UNERRING GUIDE.
• CHAPTER XII. THE EVOLUTION OF THE SOLAR SYSTEM.
• CHAPTER XIII. THE UNITY OF MATERIAL IN THE HEAVENS AND THE EARTH.
• CHAPTER XIV. THE FIRST CONCORD.
• CHAPTER XV. THE SECOND CONCORD.
• CHAPTER XVI. THE THIRD CONCORD.
• CHAPTER XVII. OBJECTIONS TO THE NEBULAR THEORY.
• CHAPTER XVIII. THE BEGINNING OF THE NEBULA.
• CHAPTER XIX. CONCLUDING CHAPTER.
• APPENDICES.
• INDEX.