This is an uncommon work by theologian Thomas Burnet, who was the first Englishman to attempt a scientific account of the origin of the earth. His popular and controversial treatise focused upon the breaking up of "the fountains of the great deep" as the cause of the flood, as described in Genesis 7:11, and presents a model of the earth's structure with ample stores of water within subterranean chambers.

Bound into this work is a pair of early thematic maps of the eastern and western hemispheres. In the western hemisphere, California is shown as an island and there is a single large lake in the vicinity of the Great Lakes. The continents are shown in outline with accentuated chains of mountains and no place names. Numerous islands are shown throughout the oceans denoting hypothetical lands that existed before the Flood. Also included is an attractive frontispiece and many illustrations (some full page) within the text. 474 pages. Octavo, hardbound in contemporary vellum.

References: Shirley #507; McLaughlin #77.

Condition: B+

The maps are very good to near fine with light toning confined to the top edge of the sheet. The Eastern Hemisphere map has one short fold separation at top that just enters the image. Contents are tight with the second half of the text moderately toned. The hinges are starting, edges are bumped, and the covers are lightly soiled.