Huttonian

Definitions

  • Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
    • a Huttonian Relating to what is now called the Plutonic theory of the earth, first advanced by Dr. James Hutton.
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Century Dictionary and Cyclopedia
    • huttonian In geology, relating to the views and theories of James Hutton (1726–1797). Hutton wrote and published voluminously in various departments of natural science and metaphysics, but when the term Huttonian is used it is generally with reference to his work in geology. The most important feature of Hutton's theories was his attempt to explain the former changes of the earth's crust by the aid of natural agencies exclusively. In opposition to Werner, he maintained that granite and basalt were rocks which had undergone fusion by subterranean heat, and this view and others held by him were for some years the subject of violent controversies.
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Chambers's Twentieth Century Dictionary
    • adj Huttonian hut-ō′ni-an relating to the views of James Hutton (1726-97), who emphasised natural agencies in the formation of the earth's crust.
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Usage

In literature:

Such was the essence of the Huttonian doctrine, which Lyell adopted and extended, and with which his name will always be associated.
"A History of Science, Volume 3(of 5)" by Henry Smith Williams
There can be no doubt that, while at Edinburgh, Darwin must have become acquainted with the doctrines of the Huttonian School.
"Darwin and Modern Science" by A.C. Seward and Others
Illustrations of the Huttonian Theory, 1802.
"A History of Science, Volume 5(of 5)" by Henry Smith Williams
Huttonian theory, 51, 57.
"Principles of Geology" by Charles Lyell
Nor can this be reconciled with, or explained by, the Huttonian or any other received theory of rain.
"The Philosophy of the Weather" by Thomas Belden Butler
The rise of the modern Huttonian school, however, led to a more careful examination of these problems.
"Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 11, Slice 6" by Various
Three arguments against the Huttonian hypothesis gave him cause for doubt.
"An Introduction to the History of Science" by Walter Libby
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