The Origin of Species Chapter 10 Part 1 - On the Imperfection of the Geological Record

In which the curious scarcity of intermediate varieties in the geological record is thoughtfully examined, revealing that the absence arises chiefly from the record’s great imperfection and the intermittent nature of sedimentary formations. Observations on the immense lapse of time, the slow rate of geological processes, and the fragmentary preservation of fossils together build a sober understanding of the vast and intricate history inscribed in the earth’s strata.