Burnet's Telluris Theoria Sacra. Title page to the 1689 second edition of Telluris Theoria Sacra (The Sacred Theory of the Earth) by the English theologian Thomas Burnet (c.1635-1715). This work, first published in 1681, was one of the most popular works on geology in the 17th century. The Latin text on this title page describes the contents, which include accounts of the past and future of the Earth, including the deluge ('dilvio') and paradise ('paradiso'). Burnet claimed that the deluge (Noah's Flood) was caused by waters rising from within the Earth. At bottom, below the author's name, are publication details including location (London).