a. and sb. [See -IAN]
A. adj. Of or relating to A. G. Werner (1750–1817), a German mineralogist and geologist, who advocated the theory of the aqueous origin of rocks; favoring Werner’s views; agreeing with Werner’s system or theory.
1811. Edin. Rev., XIX. 222. We cannot help thinking, that the Wernerian geology is faulty.
1842. Sedgwick, in Hudson’s Guide Lakes (1843), 226. The Wernerian hypothesis has now passed away.
1859. J. Hamilton, Mem. J. Wilson, i. 12. The discussion … between Wernerian and Huttonian theorists.
B. sb. A supporter of Werner’s theory; a Neptunian.
1815. W. Phillips, Outl. Min. & Geol., 183. These two parties are termed volcanists and neptunists; or more familiarly by geologists, Huttonians and Wernerians.
1858. Scrope, Geol. Extinct Volcanos Central France, Pref. p. vi. The error of the Wernerians in undervaluing … the influence of volcanic forces.
1890. Nature, 3 July, 218/1. The Wernerians were retreating before the Huttonians.
Hence Wernerianism, the Wernerian or Neptunian theory or system.
1892. Athenæum, 6 Aug., 181/3. Ignoring the importance of volcanic action as a geological agent, Wernerianism saw even in such lava-like rocks as basalt nothing more than precipitates from aqueous solutions.
