Mechanism of the HeavensJ. Murray, 1831 - 621 pages |
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Page vii
... true of a solid sphere which may be supposed to consist of an infinite number of concentric hollow spheres . This however is not the case with a spheroid , but the celestial bodies are so b 2 PRELIMINARY DISSERTATION . vii distance of ...
... true of a solid sphere which may be supposed to consist of an infinite number of concentric hollow spheres . This however is not the case with a spheroid , but the celestial bodies are so b 2 PRELIMINARY DISSERTATION . vii distance of ...
Page xvii
... true they are disturbed by the sun , but his distance is so great , that their motions are nearly the same as if they were not under his influence . The satellites like the planets , were probably projected in elliptical orbits , but ...
... true they are disturbed by the sun , but his distance is so great , that their motions are nearly the same as if they were not under his influence . The satellites like the planets , were probably projected in elliptical orbits , but ...
Page xix
... true position is in the diagonal of the parallelo- gram , whose sides are in the ratio of the velocity of light to the velocity of the earth in its orbit , which is as 192000 to 19 . In consequence of aberration , none of the heavenly ...
... true position is in the diagonal of the parallelo- gram , whose sides are in the ratio of the velocity of light to the velocity of the earth in its orbit , which is as 192000 to 19 . In consequence of aberration , none of the heavenly ...
Page xx
... true philosophy , a doubt , whether the face of the serene and starry heavens be seen at the instant it really exists , or not till some time later ; and whether there be not , with respect to the heavenly bodies , a true time and an ...
... true philosophy , a doubt , whether the face of the serene and starry heavens be seen at the instant it really exists , or not till some time later ; and whether there be not , with respect to the heavenly bodies , a true time and an ...
Page xxii
... true cause . If the eccentricity of the earth's orbit were invariable , the moon would be exposed to a variable disturbance from the action of the sun , in consequence of the earth's annual revolu- tion ; but it would be periodic ...
... true cause . If the eccentricity of the earth's orbit were invariable , the moon would be exposed to a variable disturbance from the action of the sun , in consequence of the earth's annual revolu- tion ; but it would be periodic ...
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Common terms and phrases
A₁ action angle ascending node attraction axes axis B₁ becomes c'mv centre of gravity centrifugal force co-ordinates coefficients comets computed conic sections consequently cosines curve density depending determined differential direction disturbing forces dR dR dt dt earth eccentricity ecliptic elements epoch equal equilibrium equinoxes expression fixed plane fluid functions give hence inclination indefinitely small integral Jupiter latitude mass mean anomaly mean distance mean longitude mean motion moon moon's move nearly observation omitted orbit of Jupiter oscillations parallax particle perigee perihelion periodic inequalities perturbations planets preceding equation preceding values radius vector ratio regard rotation satellites Saturn secular inequalities secular variations sidereal sine spheroid square substituted surface system of bodies terrestrial theory tion true longitude Uranus velocity whence zero
Popular passages
Page xviii - ... that the mean longitude of the first satellite, minus three times that of the second, plus twice that of the third, is always equal to two right angles.
Page vii - His works, but trace, with precision, the operation of His laws, use the globe he inhabits as a base wherewith to measure the magnitude and distance of the sun and planets, and make the diameter of the earth's orbit the first step of a scale by which he may ascend to the starry firmament. Such pursuits, while they ennoble the mind, at the same time inculcate humility, by showing that there is a barrier which no energy, mental or physical, can ever enable us to pass: that, however profoundly we may...
Page xv - That day, as other solemn days, they spent In song and dance about the sacred hill ; Mystical dance, which yonder starry sphere Of planets, and of fix'd, in all her wheels Resembles nearest, mazes intricate, Eccentric, intervolved, yet regular Then most, when most irregular they seem ; And in their motions harmony divine So smooths her charming tones, that God's own ear Listens delighted.
Page xlix - An account of experiments for determining the length of the pendulum vibrating seconds in the latitude of London.
Page lxiv - Jupiter ; it then gradually diminished in splendor, and having exhibited all the variety of tints that indicate the changes of combustion, vanished sixteen months after its discovery, without altering its position. It is impossible to imagine anything more tremendous than a conflagration that could be visible at such a distance.
Page xiv - But, in the midst of all these vicissitudes, the length of the major axes and the mean motions of the planets remain permanently independent of secular changes. They are so connected by Kepler's law, of the squares of the periodic times being proportional to the cubes of the mean distances of the planets from the sun, that one cannot vary without affecting the other.
Page lxix - If the attraction of the sun for the огпtre of the earth, and of the hemisphere diametrically opposite to him, were diminished by a difficulty in penetrating the interposed matter, the tides would be more obviously affected. Its attraction is the same also, whatever the substances of the celestial bodies may be; for if the action of...
Page vi - is to inspire the love of truth, of wisdom, of beauty — especially of goodness, the highest beauty — and of that supreme and eternal Mind, which contains all truth and wisdom, all beauty and goodness. By the love or delightful contemplation and pursuit of these transcendent aims, for their own sake only, the mind of man is raised from low and perishable objects, and prepared for those high destinies which are appointed for all those who are capable of them.
Page xii - ... depends upon the velocity with which they were first propelled in space. Had that velocity been such as to make the planets move in orbits of unstable equilibrium, their mutual attractions might have changed them into parabolas, or even hyperbolas, so that the earth and planets might, ages ago, have been sweeping far from our sun through the abyss of space.
Page xxxvi - ... the waters back to their sources ; and thus again by removing matter to a greater distance from the centre, destroy the velocity generated by its previous approach ; so that the descent of the rivers does not affect the earth's rotation.