Mechanism of the Heavens |
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Page v
... with that which retains the moon in her orbit ; and induction led him to conclude that as the moon is kept in her orbit by the attraction of the earth , so the planets might be retained in their orbits by the attraction of the sun .
... with that which retains the moon in her orbit ; and induction led him to conclude that as the moon is kept in her orbit by the attraction of the earth , so the planets might be retained in their orbits by the attraction of the sun .
Page viii
The attraction of the earth on bodies at its surface in that latitude , the square of whose sine is } , is the same as if it were a sphere , and experience shows that bodies there fall through 16.0697 feet in a second .
The attraction of the earth on bodies at its surface in that latitude , the square of whose sine is } , is the same as if it were a sphere , and experience shows that bodies there fall through 16.0697 feet in a second .
Page ix
The form of the planets results from the reciprocal attraction of their component particles . A detached fluid mass , if at rest , would assume the form of a sphere , from the reciprocal attraction of its particles ; but if the mass ...
The form of the planets results from the reciprocal attraction of their component particles . A detached fluid mass , if at rest , would assume the form of a sphere , from the reciprocal attraction of its particles ; but if the mass ...
Page x
attraction , consequently the sphere would become an oblate spheroid ; and a fluid partially or entirely covering a solid , as the ocean and atmosphere cover the earth , must assume that form in order to remain in equilibrio .
attraction , consequently the sphere would become an oblate spheroid ; and a fluid partially or entirely covering a solid , as the ocean and atmosphere cover the earth , must assume that form in order to remain in equilibrio .
Page xi
... that it at last overcomes the sun's attraction , and shoots past him ; then , gradually decreasing in velocity ... the planets were attracted by the sun only , this would ever be their course ; and because his action is proportional ...
... that it at last overcomes the sun's attraction , and shoots past him ; then , gradually decreasing in velocity ... the planets were attracted by the sun only , this would ever be their course ; and because his action is proportional ...
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Common terms and phrases
action angle appears arising assumed attraction axes axis becomes bodies cause centre of gravity changes co-ordinates coefficients computed consequently constant contain curve density depending described determined differential direction distance disturbing earth eccentricity ecliptic effect elements epoch equal equation expression fluid force functions give given greater hence inclination increase inequalities integral Jupiter Jupiter's known latitude less longitude mass matter mean motion moon move nearly nodes observation obtained omitted orbit parallax particle periodic planets position preceding pressure principal produce quantities radius ratio regard represented result revolve rotation satellites Saturn secular sine space square substituted supposed surface theory third tion true values variation varies vector velocity whence whole zero
Popular passages
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 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 xlix - An account of experiments for determining the length of the pendulum vibrating seconds in the latitude of London.
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 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.
Bibliographic information
| Title | Mechanism of the Heavens |
| Author | Mary Somerville |
| Contributor | Henry Brougham Baron Brougham and Vaux |
| Publisher | John Murray, Albemarle-Street., 1831 |
| Original from | the New York Public Library |
| Digitized | 21 Jun 2006 |
| Length | 621 pages |
| Export Citation | BiBTeX EndNote RefMan |