Lectures on Geology ... Delivered in the New York Athenaeum

New York: E Bliss & E White, 1825. First Edition. Original publisher's boards and paper label.. Fair; pronounced spotting throughout; overall toning; untrimmed; front cover separated; rear cover coming loose; tide mark (diminishing through 25 pp.) on the lower fore corner of the title page.. 8vo, xiv, [13] - 272, [1], [274] - 358 pp. There are occasional text illustrations.

Van Rensselear presents an informed and important presentation of major geological theories beginning with Burnett and carrying on to Hutton and Werner. The printed lectures also offered an extensive "Synopsis of Rocks" (pp. 274 - 358) to supplement the text. He also includes cogent comments on the value of the fossil record. An uncommon book. Hazen #10551; Merrill, pp. 278-279; Rink missing this title; Maggs, Foundations of Geology, #56.