Under What Cirucumstances is an Island to be Considered “Oceanic”?

Extract

Sir,—If I correctly apprehend Mr. Fisher's reasoning, it is impossible to determine whether an island is “Oceanic” or not until it be known whether at any period in its geological history it has been connected with an existing continent. This is unfortunate; for the advocates of the permanency of oceans and continents insist that “oceanic islands” throw great light upon the problem. It would appear that they have been, as I pointed out in my first communication, arguing in a circle and from “phrases,” not ascertained facts.