Excerpt from Research in China The expedition to China carried out in 1903 - 04 under the auspices of the Carnegie Institution Of Washington gathered certain Observations relating to the geology Of that country, which are stated in detail under the general subject of descriptive geology, in volume 1, part I, of these contributions. The same material is treated in this volume, but from the standpoint of systematic continental history. Repetition has been avoided, so far as is consistent with the presentation of the general subject. Other sources Of published information have been freely consulted and are referred to in connection with the discussions. The subject-matter Of this volume is classified primarily according to geologic eras or periods, and secondarily by broad areas of which China proper is the central region. Thus the reader will find that each chapter treats of the geographic condition Of southeastern Asia during a particular age, and that successive chapters trace the sequence Of changes from age to age. Only the great events of continental history are distinguishable on the basis of existing knowledge, but they suffice to show that the present continent is an aggregation of land masses which, from time to time, have been forced into union with one another. This generalization has already been stated by {suess, who, in cooperation with Neumayer, developed the recognition of the great mediterraneans which formerly divided Eurasia. This study of Asia has been carried on with comparative studies of North America and Europe, and has led to theoretical views regarding continental structure and development which have a broad application. They are briefly stated in a closing chapter. Many associates have helped me toward an understanding of the prob lems involved, and I desire to express my appreciation of aid received from geologists and physicists alike. An' especial debt is due the two great leaders in the modern advance of geological philosophy, Chamberlin and Suess, from whose works and personal suggestion I have derived the highest inspiration. Their assistance is none the less earnestly appreciated because I have been compelled to a somewhat divergent view in theoretical questions of continental development. About the Publisher Forgotten Books publishes hundreds of thousands of rare and classic books. Find more at www.forgottenbooks.com This book is a reproduction of an important historical work. Forgotten Books uses state-of-the-art technology to digitally reconstruct the work, preserving the original format whilst repairing imperfections present in the aged copy. In rare cases, an imperfection in the original, such as a blemish or missing page, may be replicated in our edition. We do, however, repair the vast majority of imperfections successfully; any imperfections that remain are intentionally left to preserve the state of such historical works.