Rare Geology Book: Ray, John; Three Physico-Theological Discourses, concerning I. The Primitive Chaos, and Creation of the World. II. The General Deluge, its Causes and Effects. III The Dissolution of the World, and Future Conflagration.

Ray, John; Three Physico-Theological Discourses, concerning I. The Primitive Chaos, and Creation of the World. II. The General Deluge, its Causes and Effects. III The Dissolution of the World, and Future Conflagration. 2nd edition, London, Princes Arms, St. Paul’s Church-yard, 1693. Octavo, pp. 34, 406, 2 pages ads, 4 copper engraved plates.

The work is complete and in a period full paneled calf with gilt titles. the binding is tight and clean with light scuffing to boards. The text is clean with light toning and light foxing to some signatures. In very good condition.


An English botanist and zoologist; Ray (1627-1705) is best known by the historian of geology for his discourses concerning the origin of the earth, its mountains and waters, the origin of springs, the origin of fossils and the meaning of earthquakes. Ray considered fossils to have formed within rocks by a "spermatic" process. Earthquakes and volcanoes are caused by fires or burning within the earth. He correctly attributed springs as a cause of rainfall and described the erosive effects of running water. Much of this is used in his above three discourses on the origins of the world from a primeval state to its ultimate end in conflagration by fire.