James Hutton - Theory of the earth (1785)

39 Sourced Quotes

View all James Hutton Quotes
We are not to suppose, that there is any violent exertion of power, such as is required in order to produce a great event in little time; in nature, we find no deficiency in respect of time, nor any limitation with regard to power. But time is not made to flow in vain; nor does there ever appear the exertion of superfluous power, or the manifestation of design, not calculated in wisdom to effect some general end.

James Hutton
When men of science reason upon subjects where the ideas are distinct and definite, with terms appropriated to the ideas, they come to conclusions in which there is no difference of opinion.

James Hutton
How valuable for science to have naturalists who can distinguish properly what they see, and describe intelligibly that which they distinguish.

James Hutton
In examining things present, we have data from which to reason with regard to what has been; and, from what has actually been, we have data for concluding with regard to that which is to happen hereafter.

James Hutton
Volcanoes are natural to the globe, as general operations; but we are not to consider nature as having a burning mountain for an end in her intention, or as a principal purpose in the general system of this world.

James Hutton
It is not given to man to know what things are truly in themselves, but only what those things are in his thought.

James Hutton
To reason without data is nothing but delusion.

James Hutton
Scarce a plant perhaps that has not its peculiar animal which feeds upon its various productions; scarce an animal that has not its peculiar tribe of plants on which the economy of its life, its pleasure, or its prosperity must depend.

James Hutton
But when, in framing a theory of the earth, a geologist shall indulge his fancy in framing, without evidence, that which had preceded the present order of things, he then either misleads himself, or writes a fable for the amusement of his reader.

James Hutton