[15]A kilometre is 0.621 or nearly five-eighths of a statute mile.
[15]A kilometre is 0.621 or nearly five-eighths of a statute mile.
[16]Observe, also, the respect in which the wheel is held in India, Japan and other Buddhistic countries, as the emblem of power, order, and law, and of the superiority of mind over matter. The consciousness of the importance of this invention seems to have lingered long in the minds of these nations.—Tr.
[16]Observe, also, the respect in which the wheel is held in India, Japan and other Buddhistic countries, as the emblem of power, order, and law, and of the superiority of mind over matter. The consciousness of the importance of this invention seems to have lingered long in the minds of these nations.—Tr.
[17]This effect is particularly noticeable in the size of workmen on high chimneys and church-steeples—"steeple Jacks." When the cables were slung from the towers of the Brooklyn bridge (277 feet high), the men sent out in baskets to paint them, appeared, against the broad background of heaven and water, like flies.—Trans.
[17]This effect is particularly noticeable in the size of workmen on high chimneys and church-steeples—"steeple Jacks." When the cables were slung from the towers of the Brooklyn bridge (277 feet high), the men sent out in baskets to paint them, appeared, against the broad background of heaven and water, like flies.—Trans.
[18]See Joh. Müller,Vergleichende Physiologie des Gesichtssinnes, Leipsic, 1826.
[18]See Joh. Müller,Vergleichende Physiologie des Gesichtssinnes, Leipsic, 1826.
[19]Delivered before the German Casino of Prague, in the winter of 1871.A fuller treatment of the problems of this lecture will be found in myContributions to the Analysis of the Sensations(Jena, 1886), English Translation, Chicago, 1895. J. P. Soret,Sur la perception du beau(Geneva, 1892), also regards repetition as a principle of æsthetics. His discussions of theæstheticalside of the subject are much more detailed than mine. But with respect to the psychological and physiological foundation of the principle, I am convinced that theContributions to the Analysis of the Sensationsgo deeper.—Mach(1894).
[19]Delivered before the German Casino of Prague, in the winter of 1871.
A fuller treatment of the problems of this lecture will be found in myContributions to the Analysis of the Sensations(Jena, 1886), English Translation, Chicago, 1895. J. P. Soret,Sur la perception du beau(Geneva, 1892), also regards repetition as a principle of æsthetics. His discussions of theæstheticalside of the subject are much more detailed than mine. But with respect to the psychological and physiological foundation of the principle, I am convinced that theContributions to the Analysis of the Sensationsgo deeper.—Mach(1894).
[20]Kant, in hisProlegomena zu jeder künftigen Metaphysik, also refers to this fact, but for a different purpose.
[20]Kant, in hisProlegomena zu jeder künftigen Metaphysik, also refers to this fact, but for a different purpose.
[21]Compare Mach,Fichte's Zeitschrift für Philosophie, 1864, p. 1.
[21]Compare Mach,Fichte's Zeitschrift für Philosophie, 1864, p. 1.
[22]The fact that the first and second differential coefficients of a curve are directly seen, but the higher coefficients not, is very simply explained. The first gives the position of the tangent, the declination of the straight line from the position of symmetry, the second the declination of the curve from the straight line. It is, perhaps, not unprofitable to remark here that the ordinary method of testing rulers and plane surfaces (by reversed applications) ascertains the deviation of the object from symmetry to itself.
[22]The fact that the first and second differential coefficients of a curve are directly seen, but the higher coefficients not, is very simply explained. The first gives the position of the tangent, the declination of the straight line from the position of symmetry, the second the declination of the curve from the straight line. It is, perhaps, not unprofitable to remark here that the ordinary method of testing rulers and plane surfaces (by reversed applications) ascertains the deviation of the object from symmetry to itself.
[23]See the lectureOn the Causes of Harmony.
[23]See the lectureOn the Causes of Harmony.
[24]A. von Oettingen,Harmoniesystem in dualer Entwicklung. Leipsic and Dorpat, 1866.
[24]A. von Oettingen,Harmoniesystem in dualer Entwicklung. Leipsic and Dorpat, 1866.
[25]Compare Mach'sZur Theorie des Gehörorgans, Vienna Academy, 1863.
[25]Compare Mach'sZur Theorie des Gehörorgans, Vienna Academy, 1863.
[26]A lecture delivered at the International Electrical Exhibition, in Vienna, on September 4, 1883.
[26]A lecture delivered at the International Electrical Exhibition, in Vienna, on September 4, 1883.
[27]If the two bodies were oppositely electrified they would exert attractions upon each other.
[27]If the two bodies were oppositely electrified they would exert attractions upon each other.
[28]The quantity which flows off is in point of fact less thanq. It would be equal to the quantityqonly if the inner coating of the jar were wholly encompassed by the outer coating.
[28]The quantity which flows off is in point of fact less thanq. It would be equal to the quantityqonly if the inner coating of the jar were wholly encompassed by the outer coating.
[29]Rigorously, of course, this is not correct. First, it is to be noted that the jarLis discharged simultaneously with the electrode of the machine. The jarF, on the other hand, is always discharged simultaneously with the outer coating of the jarL. Hence, if we call the capacity of the electrode of the machineE, that of the unit jarL, that of the outer coating ofL,A, and that of the principal jarF, then this equation would exist for the example in the text: (F+A)/(L+E) = 5. A cause of further departure from absolute exactness is the residual charge.
[29]Rigorously, of course, this is not correct. First, it is to be noted that the jarLis discharged simultaneously with the electrode of the machine. The jarF, on the other hand, is always discharged simultaneously with the outer coating of the jarL. Hence, if we call the capacity of the electrode of the machineE, that of the unit jarL, that of the outer coating ofL,A, and that of the principal jarF, then this equation would exist for the example in the text: (F+A)/(L+E) = 5. A cause of further departure from absolute exactness is the residual charge.
[30]Making allowance for the corrections indicated in the preceding footnote, I have obtained for the dielectric constant of sulphur the number 3.2, which agrees practically with the results obtained by more delicate methods. For the highest attainable precision one should by rights immerse the two plates of the condenser first wholly in air and then wholly in sulphur, if the ratio of the capacities is to correspond to the dielectric constant. In point of fact, however, the error which arises from inserting simply a plate of sulphur that exactly fills the space between the two plates, is of no consequence.
[30]Making allowance for the corrections indicated in the preceding footnote, I have obtained for the dielectric constant of sulphur the number 3.2, which agrees practically with the results obtained by more delicate methods. For the highest attainable precision one should by rights immerse the two plates of the condenser first wholly in air and then wholly in sulphur, if the ratio of the capacities is to correspond to the dielectric constant. In point of fact, however, the error which arises from inserting simply a plate of sulphur that exactly fills the space between the two plates, is of no consequence.
[31]As this definition in its simple form is apt to give rise to misunderstandings, elucidations are usually added to it. It is clear that we cannot lift a quantity of electricity toK, without changing the distribution onKand the potential onK. Hence, the charges onKmust be conceived as fixed, and so small a quantity raised that no appreciable change is produced by it. Taking the work thus expended as many times as the small quantity in question is contained in the unit of quantity, we shall obtain the potential. The potential of a bodyKmay be briefly and precisely defined as follows: If we expend the element of workdWto raise the element of positive quantitydQfrom the earth to the conductor, the potential of a conductorKwill be given byV=dW/dQ.
[31]As this definition in its simple form is apt to give rise to misunderstandings, elucidations are usually added to it. It is clear that we cannot lift a quantity of electricity toK, without changing the distribution onKand the potential onK. Hence, the charges onKmust be conceived as fixed, and so small a quantity raised that no appreciable change is produced by it. Taking the work thus expended as many times as the small quantity in question is contained in the unit of quantity, we shall obtain the potential. The potential of a bodyKmay be briefly and precisely defined as follows: If we expend the element of workdWto raise the element of positive quantitydQfrom the earth to the conductor, the potential of a conductorKwill be given byV=dW/dQ.
[32]In this article the solidus or slant stroke is used for the usual fractional sign of division. Where plus or minus signs occur in the numerator or denominator, brackets or a vinculum is used.—Tr.
[32]In this article the solidus or slant stroke is used for the usual fractional sign of division. Where plus or minus signs occur in the numerator or denominator, brackets or a vinculum is used.—Tr.
[33]A sort of agreement exists between the notions of thermal and electrical capacity, but the difference between the two ideas also should be carefully borne in mind. The thermal capacity of a body depends solely upon that body itself. The electrical capacity of a bodyKis influenced by all bodies in its vicinity, inasmuch as the charge of these bodies is able to alter the potential ofK. To give, therefore, an unequivocal significance to the notion of the capacity (C) of a bodyK,Cis defined as the relationQ/Vfor the bodyKin a certain given position of all neighboring bodies, and during connexion of all neighboring conductors with the earth. In practice the situation is much simpler. The capacity, for example, of a jar, the inner coating of which is almost enveloped by its outer coating, communicating with the ground, is not sensibly affected by charged or uncharged adjacent conductors.
[33]A sort of agreement exists between the notions of thermal and electrical capacity, but the difference between the two ideas also should be carefully borne in mind. The thermal capacity of a body depends solely upon that body itself. The electrical capacity of a bodyKis influenced by all bodies in its vicinity, inasmuch as the charge of these bodies is able to alter the potential ofK. To give, therefore, an unequivocal significance to the notion of the capacity (C) of a bodyK,Cis defined as the relationQ/Vfor the bodyKin a certain given position of all neighboring bodies, and during connexion of all neighboring conductors with the earth. In practice the situation is much simpler. The capacity, for example, of a jar, the inner coating of which is almost enveloped by its outer coating, communicating with the ground, is not sensibly affected by charged or uncharged adjacent conductors.
[34]These formulæ easily follow from Newton's theorem that a homogeneous spherical shell, whose elements obey the law of the inverse squares, exerts no force whatever on points within it but acts on points without as if the whole mass were concentrated at its centre. The formulæ next adduced also flow from this proposition.
[34]These formulæ easily follow from Newton's theorem that a homogeneous spherical shell, whose elements obey the law of the inverse squares, exerts no force whatever on points within it but acts on points without as if the whole mass were concentrated at its centre. The formulæ next adduced also flow from this proposition.
[35]The energy of a sphere of radiusrcharged with the quantityqis 1/2(q2/r). If the radius increase by the spacedra loss of energy occurs, and the work done is 1/2(q2/r2)dr. Lettingpdenote the uniform electrical pressure on unit of surface of the sphere, the work done is also 4r2πpdr. Hencep= (1/8r2π)(q2/r2). Subjected to the same superficial pressure on all sides, say in a fluid, our half sphere would be an equilibrium. Hence we must make the pressurepact on the surface of the great circle to obtain the effect on the balance, which isr2πp= 1/8(q2/r2) = 1/8V2.
[35]The energy of a sphere of radiusrcharged with the quantityqis 1/2(q2/r). If the radius increase by the spacedra loss of energy occurs, and the work done is 1/2(q2/r2)dr. Lettingpdenote the uniform electrical pressure on unit of surface of the sphere, the work done is also 4r2πpdr. Hencep= (1/8r2π)(q2/r2). Subjected to the same superficial pressure on all sides, say in a fluid, our half sphere would be an equilibrium. Hence we must make the pressurepact on the surface of the great circle to obtain the effect on the balance, which isr2πp= 1/8(q2/r2) = 1/8V2.
[36]The arrangement described is for several reasons not fitted for the actual measurement of potential. Thomson's absolute electrometer is based upon an ingenious modification of the electrical balance of Harris and Volta. Of two large plane parallel plates, one communicates with the earth, while the other is brought to the potential to be measured. A small movable superficial portionfof this last hangs from the balance for the determination of the attractionP. The distance of the plates from each other beingDwe getV=D√(8πP/f).
[36]The arrangement described is for several reasons not fitted for the actual measurement of potential. Thomson's absolute electrometer is based upon an ingenious modification of the electrical balance of Harris and Volta. Of two large plane parallel plates, one communicates with the earth, while the other is brought to the potential to be measured. A small movable superficial portionfof this last hangs from the balance for the determination of the attractionP. The distance of the plates from each other beingDwe getV=D√(8πP/f).
[37]This moment of torsion needs a supplementary correction, on account of the vertical electric attraction of the excited disks. This is done by changing the weight of the disk by means of additional weights and by making a second reading of the angles of deflexion.
[37]This moment of torsion needs a supplementary correction, on account of the vertical electric attraction of the excited disks. This is done by changing the weight of the disk by means of additional weights and by making a second reading of the angles of deflexion.
[38]The jar in our experiment acts like an accumulator, being charged by a dynamo machine. The relation which obtains between the expended and the available work may be gathered from the following simple exposition. A Holtz machineH(Fig. 40) is charging a unit jarL, which afterndischarges of quantityqand potentialv, charges the jarFwith the quantityQat the potentialV. The energy of the unit-jar discharges is lost and that of the jarFalone is left. Hence the ratio of the available work to the total work expended is½QV/[½QV + (n/2)qv]and asQ=nq, alsoV/(V + v).If, now, we interpose no unit jar, still the parts of the machine and the wires of conduction are themselves virtually such unit jars and the formula still subsistsV/(V+ Σv), in which Σvrepresents the sum of all the successively introduced differences of potential in the circuit of connexion.
[38]The jar in our experiment acts like an accumulator, being charged by a dynamo machine. The relation which obtains between the expended and the available work may be gathered from the following simple exposition. A Holtz machineH(Fig. 40) is charging a unit jarL, which afterndischarges of quantityqand potentialv, charges the jarFwith the quantityQat the potentialV. The energy of the unit-jar discharges is lost and that of the jarFalone is left. Hence the ratio of the available work to the total work expended is
½QV/[½QV + (n/2)qv]and asQ=nq, alsoV/(V + v).
If, now, we interpose no unit jar, still the parts of the machine and the wires of conduction are themselves virtually such unit jars and the formula still subsistsV/(V+ Σv), in which Σvrepresents the sum of all the successively introduced differences of potential in the circuit of connexion.
[39]Published in Vol. 5, No. I, ofThe Monist, October, 1894, being in part a re-elaboration of the treatiseUeber die Erhaltung der Arbeit, Prague, 1872.
[39]Published in Vol. 5, No. I, ofThe Monist, October, 1894, being in part a re-elaboration of the treatiseUeber die Erhaltung der Arbeit, Prague, 1872.
[40]On Matter, Living Force, and Heat, Joule:Scientific Papers, London, 1884, I, p. 265.
[40]On Matter, Living Force, and Heat, Joule:Scientific Papers, London, 1884, I, p. 265.
[41]"Atqui hoc si sit, globorum series sive corona eundem situm cum priore habebit, eademque de causa octo globi sinistri ponderosiores erunt sex dextris, ideoque rursus octo illi descendent, sex illi ascendent, istique globi ex sesecontinuum et aeternum motum efficient, quod est falsum."
[41]"Atqui hoc si sit, globorum series sive corona eundem situm cum priore habebit, eademque de causa octo globi sinistri ponderosiores erunt sex dextris, ideoque rursus octo illi descendent, sex illi ascendent, istique globi ex sesecontinuum et aeternum motum efficient, quod est falsum."
[42]"A igitur, (si ullo modo per naturam fieri possit) locum sibi tributum non servato, ac delabatur inD; quibus positis aqua quae ipsiAsuccedit eandem ob causam deffluet inD, eademque ab alia istinc expelletur, atque adeo aqua haec (cum ubique eadem ratio sit)motum instituet perpetuum, quod absurdum fuerit."
[42]"A igitur, (si ullo modo per naturam fieri possit) locum sibi tributum non servato, ac delabatur inD; quibus positis aqua quae ipsiAsuccedit eandem ob causam deffluet inD, eademque ab alia istinc expelletur, atque adeo aqua haec (cum ubique eadem ratio sit)motum instituet perpetuum, quod absurdum fuerit."
[43]"Accipio, gradus velocitatis ejusdem mobilis super diversas planorum inclinationes acquisitos tunc esse aequales, cum eorundum planorum elevationes aequales sint."
[43]"Accipio, gradus velocitatis ejusdem mobilis super diversas planorum inclinationes acquisitos tunc esse aequales, cum eorundum planorum elevationes aequales sint."
[44]"Voi molto probabilmente discorrete, ma oltre al veri simile voglio con una esperienza crescer tanto la probabilità, che poco gli manchi all'agguagliarsi ad una ben necessaria dimostrazione. Figuratevi questo foglio essere una parete eretta all'orizzonte, e da un chiodo fitto in essa pendere una palla di piombo d'un'oncia, o due, sospesa dal sottil filoABlungo due, o tre braccia perpendicolare all'orizzonte, e nella parete segnate una linea orizontaleDCsegante a squadra il perpendicoloAB, il quale sia lontano dalla parete due dita in circa, trasferendo poi il filoABcolla palla inAC, lasciata essa palla in libertà, la quale primieramente vedrete scendere descrivendo l'arcoCBD, e di tanto trapassare il termineB, che scorrendo per l'arcoBDsormonterà fino quasi alla segnata parallelaCD, restando di per vernirvi per piccolissimo intervallo, toltogli il precisamente arrivarvi dall'impedimento dell'aria, e del filo. Dal che possiamo veracemente concludere, che l'impeto acquistato nel puntoBdalla palla nello scendere per l'arcoCB, fu tanto, che bastò a risospingersi per un simile arcoBDalla medesima altezza; fatta, e più volte reiterata cotale esperienza, voglio, che fiechiamo nella parete rasente al perpendicoloABun chiodo come inE, ovvero inF, che sporga in fuori cinque, o sei dita, e questo acciocchè il filoACtornando come prima a riportar la pallaCper l'arcoCB, giunta che ella sia inB, inoppando il filo nel chiodoE, sia costretta a camminare per la circonferenzaBGdescritta in torno al centroE, dal che vedremo quello, che potrà far quel medesimo impeto, che dianzi concepizo nel medesimo termineB, sospinse l'istesso mobile per l'arcoEDall'altezza dell'orizzonaleCD. Ora, Signori, voi vedrete con gusto condursi la palla all'orizzontale nel puntoG, e l'istesso accadere, l'intoppo si metesse più basso, come inF, dove la palla descriverebbe l'arcoBJ, terminando sempre la sua salita precisamente nella lineaCD, e quando l'intoppe del chiodo fusse tanto basso, che l'avanzo del filo sotto di lui non arivasse all'altezza diCD(il che accaderebbe, quando fusse più vicino al puntoB, che al segamento dell'ABcoll'orizzontaleCD), allora il filo cavalcherebbe il chiodo, e segli avolgerebbe intorno. Questa esperienza non lascia luogo di dubitare della verità del supposto: imperocchè essendo li due archiCB,DBequali e similmento posti, l'acquisto di momento fatto per la scesa nell'arcoCB, è il medesimo, che il fatto per la scesa dell'arcoDB; ma il momento acquistato inBper l'arcoCBè potente a risospingere in su il medesimo mobile per l'arcoBD; adunque anco il momento acquistato nella scesaDBè eguale a quello, che sospigne l'istesso mobile pel medesimo arco daBinD, sicche universal-mente ogni memento acquistato per la scesa d'un arco è eguale a quello, che può far risalire l'istesso mobile pel medesimo arco: ma i momenti tutti che fanno resalire per tutti gli archiBD,BG,BJsono eguali, poichè son fatti dal istesso medesimo momento acquistato per la scesaCB, come mostra l'esperienza: adunque tutti i momenti, che si acquistano per le scese negli archiDB,GB,JBsono eguali."
[44]"Voi molto probabilmente discorrete, ma oltre al veri simile voglio con una esperienza crescer tanto la probabilità, che poco gli manchi all'agguagliarsi ad una ben necessaria dimostrazione. Figuratevi questo foglio essere una parete eretta all'orizzonte, e da un chiodo fitto in essa pendere una palla di piombo d'un'oncia, o due, sospesa dal sottil filoABlungo due, o tre braccia perpendicolare all'orizzonte, e nella parete segnate una linea orizontaleDCsegante a squadra il perpendicoloAB, il quale sia lontano dalla parete due dita in circa, trasferendo poi il filoABcolla palla inAC, lasciata essa palla in libertà, la quale primieramente vedrete scendere descrivendo l'arcoCBD, e di tanto trapassare il termineB, che scorrendo per l'arcoBDsormonterà fino quasi alla segnata parallelaCD, restando di per vernirvi per piccolissimo intervallo, toltogli il precisamente arrivarvi dall'impedimento dell'aria, e del filo. Dal che possiamo veracemente concludere, che l'impeto acquistato nel puntoBdalla palla nello scendere per l'arcoCB, fu tanto, che bastò a risospingersi per un simile arcoBDalla medesima altezza; fatta, e più volte reiterata cotale esperienza, voglio, che fiechiamo nella parete rasente al perpendicoloABun chiodo come inE, ovvero inF, che sporga in fuori cinque, o sei dita, e questo acciocchè il filoACtornando come prima a riportar la pallaCper l'arcoCB, giunta che ella sia inB, inoppando il filo nel chiodoE, sia costretta a camminare per la circonferenzaBGdescritta in torno al centroE, dal che vedremo quello, che potrà far quel medesimo impeto, che dianzi concepizo nel medesimo termineB, sospinse l'istesso mobile per l'arcoEDall'altezza dell'orizzonaleCD. Ora, Signori, voi vedrete con gusto condursi la palla all'orizzontale nel puntoG, e l'istesso accadere, l'intoppo si metesse più basso, come inF, dove la palla descriverebbe l'arcoBJ, terminando sempre la sua salita precisamente nella lineaCD, e quando l'intoppe del chiodo fusse tanto basso, che l'avanzo del filo sotto di lui non arivasse all'altezza diCD(il che accaderebbe, quando fusse più vicino al puntoB, che al segamento dell'ABcoll'orizzontaleCD), allora il filo cavalcherebbe il chiodo, e segli avolgerebbe intorno. Questa esperienza non lascia luogo di dubitare della verità del supposto: imperocchè essendo li due archiCB,DBequali e similmento posti, l'acquisto di momento fatto per la scesa nell'arcoCB, è il medesimo, che il fatto per la scesa dell'arcoDB; ma il momento acquistato inBper l'arcoCBè potente a risospingere in su il medesimo mobile per l'arcoBD; adunque anco il momento acquistato nella scesaDBè eguale a quello, che sospigne l'istesso mobile pel medesimo arco daBinD, sicche universal-mente ogni memento acquistato per la scesa d'un arco è eguale a quello, che può far risalire l'istesso mobile pel medesimo arco: ma i momenti tutti che fanno resalire per tutti gli archiBD,BG,BJsono eguali, poichè son fatti dal istesso medesimo momento acquistato per la scesaCB, come mostra l'esperienza: adunque tutti i momenti, che si acquistano per le scese negli archiDB,GB,JBsono eguali."
[45]"Constat jam, quod mobile ex quiete inAdescendens perAB, gradus acquirit velocitatis juxta temporis ipsius incrementum: gradum vero inBesse maximum acquisitorum, et suapte natura immutabiliter impressum, sublatis scilicet causis accelerationis novae, aut retardationis: accelerationis inquam, si adhuc super extenso plano ulterius progrederetur; retardationis vero, dum super planum accliveBCfit reflexio: in horizontali autemGHaequabilis motus juxta gradum velocitatis exAinBacquisitae in infinitum extenderetur."
[45]"Constat jam, quod mobile ex quiete inAdescendens perAB, gradus acquirit velocitatis juxta temporis ipsius incrementum: gradum vero inBesse maximum acquisitorum, et suapte natura immutabiliter impressum, sublatis scilicet causis accelerationis novae, aut retardationis: accelerationis inquam, si adhuc super extenso plano ulterius progrederetur; retardationis vero, dum super planum accliveBCfit reflexio: in horizontali autemGHaequabilis motus juxta gradum velocitatis exAinBacquisitae in infinitum extenderetur."
[46]"Si gravitas non esset, neque aër motui corporum officeret, unumquodque eorum, acceptum semel motum continuaturum velocitate aequabili, secundum lineam rectam."
[46]"Si gravitas non esset, neque aër motui corporum officeret, unumquodque eorum, acceptum semel motum continuaturum velocitate aequabili, secundum lineam rectam."
[47]"Si pondera quotlibet, vi gravitatis suae, moveri incipiant; non posse centrum gravitatis ex ipsis compositae altius, quam ubi incipiente motu reperiebatur, ascendere."Ipsa vero hypothesis nostra quominus scrupulum moveat, nihil aliud sibi velle ostendemus, quam, quod nemo unquam negavit, gravia nempe sursum non ferri.—Et sane, si hac eadem uti scirent novorum operum machinatores, qui motum perpetuum irrito conatu moliuntur, facile suos ipsi errores deprehenderent, intelligerentque rem eam mechanica ratione haud quaquam possibilem esse."
[47]"Si pondera quotlibet, vi gravitatis suae, moveri incipiant; non posse centrum gravitatis ex ipsis compositae altius, quam ubi incipiente motu reperiebatur, ascendere.
"Ipsa vero hypothesis nostra quominus scrupulum moveat, nihil aliud sibi velle ostendemus, quam, quod nemo unquam negavit, gravia nempe sursum non ferri.—Et sane, si hac eadem uti scirent novorum operum machinatores, qui motum perpetuum irrito conatu moliuntur, facile suos ipsi errores deprehenderent, intelligerentque rem eam mechanica ratione haud quaquam possibilem esse."
[48]"Si pendulum e pluribus ponderibus compositum, atque e quiete dimissum, partem quamcunque oscillationis integrae confecerit, atque inde porro intelligantur pondera ejus singula, relicto communi vinculo, celeritates acquisitas sursum convertere, ac quousque possunt ascendere; hoc facto centrum gravitatis ex omnibus compositae, ad eandem altitudinem reversum erit, quam ante inceptam oscillationem obtinebat."
[48]"Si pendulum e pluribus ponderibus compositum, atque e quiete dimissum, partem quamcunque oscillationis integrae confecerit, atque inde porro intelligantur pondera ejus singula, relicto communi vinculo, celeritates acquisitas sursum convertere, ac quousque possunt ascendere; hoc facto centrum gravitatis ex omnibus compositae, ad eandem altitudinem reversum erit, quam ante inceptam oscillationem obtinebat."
[49]"Notato autem hic illud staticum axioma etiam locum habere:"Ut spatium agentis ad spatium patientisSic potentia patientis ad potentiam agentis."
[49]"Notato autem hic illud staticum axioma etiam locum habere:
"Ut spatium agentis ad spatium patientisSic potentia patientis ad potentiam agentis."
"Ut spatium agentis ad spatium patientisSic potentia patientis ad potentiam agentis."
[50]"Cependant, comme dans cet ouvrage on ne fut d'abord attentif qu'à considérer ce beau développement de la mécanique qui semblait sortir tout entière d'une seule et même formule, on crut naturellement que la science etait faite, et qu'il ne restait plus qu'à chercher la démonstration du principe des vitesses virtuelles. Mais cette recherche ramena toutes les difficultés qu'on avait franchies par le principe même. Cette loi si générale, où se mêlent des idées vagues et étrangères de mouvements infinement petits et de perturbation d'équilibre, ne fit en quelque sorte que s'obsurcir à l'examen; et le livre de Lagrange n'offrant plus alors rien de clair que la marche des calculs, on vit bien que les nuages n'avaient paru levé sur le cours de la mécanique que parcequ'ils étaient, pour ainsi dire, rassemblés à l'origine même do cette science."Une démonstration générale du principe des vitesses virtuelles devait au fond revenir a établir le mécanique entière sur une autre base: car la demonstration d'une loi qui embrasse toute une science ne peut être autre chose qua la reduction de cette science à une autre loi aussi générale, mais évidente, ou du moins plus simple que la première, et qui partant la rende inutile."
[50]"Cependant, comme dans cet ouvrage on ne fut d'abord attentif qu'à considérer ce beau développement de la mécanique qui semblait sortir tout entière d'une seule et même formule, on crut naturellement que la science etait faite, et qu'il ne restait plus qu'à chercher la démonstration du principe des vitesses virtuelles. Mais cette recherche ramena toutes les difficultés qu'on avait franchies par le principe même. Cette loi si générale, où se mêlent des idées vagues et étrangères de mouvements infinement petits et de perturbation d'équilibre, ne fit en quelque sorte que s'obsurcir à l'examen; et le livre de Lagrange n'offrant plus alors rien de clair que la marche des calculs, on vit bien que les nuages n'avaient paru levé sur le cours de la mécanique que parcequ'ils étaient, pour ainsi dire, rassemblés à l'origine même do cette science.
"Une démonstration générale du principe des vitesses virtuelles devait au fond revenir a établir le mécanique entière sur une autre base: car la demonstration d'une loi qui embrasse toute une science ne peut être autre chose qua la reduction de cette science à une autre loi aussi générale, mais évidente, ou du moins plus simple que la première, et qui partant la rende inutile."
[51]Traité de la lumière, Leyden, 1690, p. 2.
[51]Traité de la lumière, Leyden, 1690, p. 2.
[52]"L'on ne sçaurait douter que la lumière ne consiste dans lemouvementde certaine matière. Car soit qu'on regarde sa production, on trouve qu'içy sur la terre c'est principalement le feu et la flamme qui l'engendrent, lesquels contient sans doute des corps qui sont dans un mouvement rapide, puis qu'ils dissolvent et fondent plusieurs autres corps des plus solides: soit qu'on regarde ses effets, on voit que quand la lumière est ramasseé, comme par des miroires concaves, elle a la vertu de brûler comme le feu. c-est-à-dire qu'elle desunit les parties des corps; ce qui marque assurément dumouvement, au moins dans lavraye Philosophie, dans laquelle on conçoit la cause de tous les effets naturels par des raisons demechanique. Ce qu'il faut faire à mon avis, ou bien renoncer à tout espérance de jamais rien comprendre dans la Physique."
[52]"L'on ne sçaurait douter que la lumière ne consiste dans lemouvementde certaine matière. Car soit qu'on regarde sa production, on trouve qu'içy sur la terre c'est principalement le feu et la flamme qui l'engendrent, lesquels contient sans doute des corps qui sont dans un mouvement rapide, puis qu'ils dissolvent et fondent plusieurs autres corps des plus solides: soit qu'on regarde ses effets, on voit que quand la lumière est ramasseé, comme par des miroires concaves, elle a la vertu de brûler comme le feu. c-est-à-dire qu'elle desunit les parties des corps; ce qui marque assurément dumouvement, au moins dans lavraye Philosophie, dans laquelle on conçoit la cause de tous les effets naturels par des raisons demechanique. Ce qu'il faut faire à mon avis, ou bien renoncer à tout espérance de jamais rien comprendre dans la Physique."
[53]Sur la puissance motrice du feu. (Paris, 1824.)
[53]Sur la puissance motrice du feu. (Paris, 1824.)
[54]"On objectra peut-être ici que le mouvement perpétuel, démontré impossible par lesseules actions mécaniques, ne l'est peut-être pas lorsqu'on emploie l'influence soit de lachaleur, soit de l'électricité; mais pent-on concevoir les phénomènes de la chaleur et de l'électricité comme dus à autre chose qu'à desmouvements quelconques des corpset comme tels ne doivent-ils pas être soumis aux lois générales de la mécanique?"
[54]"On objectra peut-être ici que le mouvement perpétuel, démontré impossible par lesseules actions mécaniques, ne l'est peut-être pas lorsqu'on emploie l'influence soit de lachaleur, soit de l'électricité; mais pent-on concevoir les phénomènes de la chaleur et de l'électricité comme dus à autre chose qu'à desmouvements quelconques des corpset comme tels ne doivent-ils pas être soumis aux lois générales de la mécanique?"
[55]By this is meant the temperature of a Celsius scale, the zero of which is 273° below the melting-point of ice.
[55]By this is meant the temperature of a Celsius scale, the zero of which is 273° below the melting-point of ice.
[56]I first drew attention to this fact in my treatiseUeber die Erhaltung der Arbeit, Prague, 1872. Before this, Zeuner had pointed out the analogy between mechanical and thermal energy. I have given a more extensive development of this idea in a communication to theSitzungsberichte der WienerAkademie, December, 1892, entitledGeschichte und Kritik des Carnot'schen Wärmegesetzes. Compare also the works of Popper (1884), Helm (1887), Wronsky (1888), and Ostwald (1892).
[56]I first drew attention to this fact in my treatiseUeber die Erhaltung der Arbeit, Prague, 1872. Before this, Zeuner had pointed out the analogy between mechanical and thermal energy. I have given a more extensive development of this idea in a communication to theSitzungsberichte der WienerAkademie, December, 1892, entitledGeschichte und Kritik des Carnot'schen Wärmegesetzes. Compare also the works of Popper (1884), Helm (1887), Wronsky (1888), and Ostwald (1892).
[57]Sir William Thomson first consciously and intentionally introduced (1848, 1851) amechanicalmeasure of temperature similar to the electric measure of potential.
[57]Sir William Thomson first consciously and intentionally introduced (1848, 1851) amechanicalmeasure of temperature similar to the electric measure of potential.
[58]Compare myAnalysis of the Sensations, Jena, 1886: English translation, Chicago, 1897.
[58]Compare myAnalysis of the Sensations, Jena, 1886: English translation, Chicago, 1897.
[59]A better terminology appears highly desirable in the place of the usual misleading one. Sir William Thomson (1852) appears to have felt this need, and it has been clearly expressed by F. Wald (1889). We should call the work which corresponds to a vanished quantity of heat its mechanical substitution-value; while that work which can beactuallyperformed in the passage of a thermal conditionAto a conditionB, alone deserves the name of theenergy-valueof this change of condition. In this way thearbitrarysubstantial conception of the processes would be preserved and misapprehensions forestalled.
[59]A better terminology appears highly desirable in the place of the usual misleading one. Sir William Thomson (1852) appears to have felt this need, and it has been clearly expressed by F. Wald (1889). We should call the work which corresponds to a vanished quantity of heat its mechanical substitution-value; while that work which can beactuallyperformed in the passage of a thermal conditionAto a conditionB, alone deserves the name of theenergy-valueof this change of condition. In this way thearbitrarysubstantial conception of the processes would be preserved and misapprehensions forestalled.
[60]An address delivered before the anniversary meeting of the Imperial Academy of Sciences, at Vienna, May 25, 1882.
[60]An address delivered before the anniversary meeting of the Imperial Academy of Sciences, at Vienna, May 25, 1882.
[61]Primitive Culture.
[61]Primitive Culture.
[62]Tylor,loc. cit.
[62]Tylor,loc. cit.
[63]Essai philosophique sur les probabilités. 6th Ed. Paris, 1840, p. 4. The necessary consideration of the initial velocities is lacking in this formulation.
[63]Essai philosophique sur les probabilités. 6th Ed. Paris, 1840, p. 4. The necessary consideration of the initial velocities is lacking in this formulation.
[64]Principien der Wirthschaftslehre, Vienna, 1873.
[64]Principien der Wirthschaftslehre, Vienna, 1873.
[65]It is clear from this that all so-called elementary (differential) laws involve a relation to the whole.
[65]It is clear from this that all so-called elementary (differential) laws involve a relation to the whole.
[66]If it be objected, that in the case of perturbations of the velocity of rotation of the earth, we could be sensible of such perturbations, and being obliged to have some measure of time, we should resort to the period of vibration of the waves of sodium light,—all that this would show is that for practical reasons we should select that event which best served us as thesimplestcommon measure of the others.
[66]If it be objected, that in the case of perturbations of the velocity of rotation of the earth, we could be sensible of such perturbations, and being obliged to have some measure of time, we should resort to the period of vibration of the waves of sodium light,—all that this would show is that for practical reasons we should select that event which best served us as thesimplestcommon measure of the others.
[67]Measurement, in fact, is the definition of one phenomenon by another (standard) phenomenon.
[67]Measurement, in fact, is the definition of one phenomenon by another (standard) phenomenon.
[68]I have represented the point of view here taken for more than thirty years and developed it in various writings (Erhaltung der Arbeit, 1872, parts of which are published in the article onThe Conservation of Energyin this collection;The Forms of Liquids, 1872, also published in this collection; and theBewegungsempfindungen, 1875). The idea, though known to philosophers, is unfamiliar to the majority of physicists. It is a matter of deep regret to me, therefore, that the title and author of a small tract which accorded with my views in numerous details and which I remember having caught a glance of in a very busy period (1879-1880), have so completely disappeared from my memory that all efforts to obtain a clue to them have hitherto been fruitless.
[68]I have represented the point of view here taken for more than thirty years and developed it in various writings (Erhaltung der Arbeit, 1872, parts of which are published in the article onThe Conservation of Energyin this collection;The Forms of Liquids, 1872, also published in this collection; and theBewegungsempfindungen, 1875). The idea, though known to philosophers, is unfamiliar to the majority of physicists. It is a matter of deep regret to me, therefore, that the title and author of a small tract which accorded with my views in numerous details and which I remember having caught a glance of in a very busy period (1879-1880), have so completely disappeared from my memory that all efforts to obtain a clue to them have hitherto been fruitless.
[69]Inaugural Address, delivered on assuming the Rectorate of the University of Prague, October 18, 1883.The idea presented in this essay is neither new nor remote. I have touched upon it myself on several occasions (first in 1867), but have never made it the subject of a formal disquisition. Doubtless, others, too, have treated it; it lies, so to speak, in the air. However, as many of my illustrations were well received, although known only in an imperfect form from the lecture itself and the newspapers, I have, contrary to my original intention, decided to publish it. It is not my intention to trespass here upon the domain of biology. My statements are to be taken merely as the expression of the fact that no one can escape the influence of a great and far-reaching idea.
[69]Inaugural Address, delivered on assuming the Rectorate of the University of Prague, October 18, 1883.
The idea presented in this essay is neither new nor remote. I have touched upon it myself on several occasions (first in 1867), but have never made it the subject of a formal disquisition. Doubtless, others, too, have treated it; it lies, so to speak, in the air. However, as many of my illustrations were well received, although known only in an imperfect form from the lecture itself and the newspapers, I have, contrary to my original intention, decided to publish it. It is not my intention to trespass here upon the domain of biology. My statements are to be taken merely as the expression of the fact that no one can escape the influence of a great and far-reaching idea.
[70]At first sight an apparent contradiction arises from the admission of both heredity and adaptation; and it is undoubtedly true that a strong disposition to heredity precludes great capability of adaptation. But imagine the organism to be a plastic mass which retains the form transmitted to it by former influences until new influences modify it; theoneproperty ofplasticitywill then represent capability of adaptation as well as power of heredity. Analogous to this is the case of a bar of magnetised steel of high coercive force: the steel retains its magnetic properties until a new force displaces them. Take also a body in motion: the body retains the velocity acquired in (inheritedfrom) the interval of time just preceding, except it be changed in the next moment by an accelerating force. In the case of the body in motion thechangeof velocity (Abänderung) was looked upon as a matter of course, while the discovery of the principle ofinertia(or persistence) created surprise; in Darwin's case, on the contrary,heredity(or persistence) was taken for granted, while the principle ofvariation(Abänderung) appeared novel.Fully adequate views are, of course, to be reached only by a study of the original facts emphasised by Darwin, and not by these analogies. The example referring to motion, if I am not mistaken, I first heard, in conversation, from my friend J. Popper, Esq., of Vienna.Many inquirers look upon the stability of the species as something settled, and oppose to it the Darwinian theory. But the stability of the species is itself a "theory." The essential modifications which Darwin's views also are undergoing will be seen from the works of Wallace [and Weismann], but more especially from a book of W. H. Rolph,Biologische Probleme, Leipsic, 1882. Unfortunately, this last talented investigator is no longer numbered among the living.
[70]At first sight an apparent contradiction arises from the admission of both heredity and adaptation; and it is undoubtedly true that a strong disposition to heredity precludes great capability of adaptation. But imagine the organism to be a plastic mass which retains the form transmitted to it by former influences until new influences modify it; theoneproperty ofplasticitywill then represent capability of adaptation as well as power of heredity. Analogous to this is the case of a bar of magnetised steel of high coercive force: the steel retains its magnetic properties until a new force displaces them. Take also a body in motion: the body retains the velocity acquired in (inheritedfrom) the interval of time just preceding, except it be changed in the next moment by an accelerating force. In the case of the body in motion thechangeof velocity (Abänderung) was looked upon as a matter of course, while the discovery of the principle ofinertia(or persistence) created surprise; in Darwin's case, on the contrary,heredity(or persistence) was taken for granted, while the principle ofvariation(Abänderung) appeared novel.
Fully adequate views are, of course, to be reached only by a study of the original facts emphasised by Darwin, and not by these analogies. The example referring to motion, if I am not mistaken, I first heard, in conversation, from my friend J. Popper, Esq., of Vienna.
Many inquirers look upon the stability of the species as something settled, and oppose to it the Darwinian theory. But the stability of the species is itself a "theory." The essential modifications which Darwin's views also are undergoing will be seen from the works of Wallace [and Weismann], but more especially from a book of W. H. Rolph,Biologische Probleme, Leipsic, 1882. Unfortunately, this last talented investigator is no longer numbered among the living.
[71]Written in 1883.
[71]Written in 1883.
[72]See Pfaundler,Pogg. Ann., Jubelband, p. 182.
[72]See Pfaundler,Pogg. Ann., Jubelband, p. 182.
[73]See the beautiful discussions of this point in Hering'sMemory as a General Function of Organised Matter(1870), Chicago, The Open Court Publishing Co., 1887. Compare also Dubois,Ueber die Uebung, Berlin, 1881.
[73]See the beautiful discussions of this point in Hering'sMemory as a General Function of Organised Matter(1870), Chicago, The Open Court Publishing Co., 1887. Compare also Dubois,Ueber die Uebung, Berlin, 1881.
[74]Spencer,The Principles of Psychology. London, 1872.
[74]Spencer,The Principles of Psychology. London, 1872.
[75]See the articleThe Velocity of Light, page 63.
[75]See the articleThe Velocity of Light, page 63.
[76]I am well aware that the endeavor to confine oneself in natural research tofactsis often censured as an exaggerated fear of metaphysical spooks. But I would observe, that, judged by the mischief which they have wrought, the metaphysical, of all spooks, are the least fabulous. It is not to be denied that many forms of thought were not originally acquired by the individual, but were antecedently formed, or rather prepared for, in the development of the species, in some such way as Spencer, Haeckel, Hering, and others have supposed, and as I myself have hinted on various occasions.
[76]I am well aware that the endeavor to confine oneself in natural research tofactsis often censured as an exaggerated fear of metaphysical spooks. But I would observe, that, judged by the mischief which they have wrought, the metaphysical, of all spooks, are the least fabulous. It is not to be denied that many forms of thought were not originally acquired by the individual, but were antecedently formed, or rather prepared for, in the development of the species, in some such way as Spencer, Haeckel, Hering, and others have supposed, and as I myself have hinted on various occasions.
[77]Compare, for example,Schiller, Zerstreute Betrachtungen über verschiedene ästhetische Gegenstände.
[77]Compare, for example,Schiller, Zerstreute Betrachtungen über verschiedene ästhetische Gegenstände.
[78]We must not be deceived in imagining that the happiness of other people is not a very considerable and essential portion of our own. It is common capital, which cannot be created by the individual, and which does not perish with him. The formal and material limitation of theegois necessary and sufficient only for the crudest practical objects, and cannot subsist in a broad conception. Humanity in its entirety may be likened to a polyp-plant. The material and organic bonds of individual union have, indeed, been severed; they would only have impeded freedom of movement and evolution. But the ultimate aim, the psychical connexion of the whole, has been attained in a much higher degree through the richer development thus made possible.
[78]We must not be deceived in imagining that the happiness of other people is not a very considerable and essential portion of our own. It is common capital, which cannot be created by the individual, and which does not perish with him. The formal and material limitation of theegois necessary and sufficient only for the crudest practical objects, and cannot subsist in a broad conception. Humanity in its entirety may be likened to a polyp-plant. The material and organic bonds of individual union have, indeed, been severed; they would only have impeded freedom of movement and evolution. But the ultimate aim, the psychical connexion of the whole, has been attained in a much higher degree through the richer development thus made possible.
[79]C. E. von Baer, the subsequent opponent of Darwin and Haeckel, has discussed in two beautiful addresses (Das allgemeinste Gesetz der Natur in aller Entwickelung, andWelche Auffassung der lebenden Natur ist die richtige, und wie ist diese Auffassung auf die Entomologie anzuwenden?) the narrowness of the view which regards an animal in its existing state as finished and complete, instead of conceiving it as a phase in the series of evolutionary forms and regarding the species itself as a phase of the development of the animal world in general.
[79]C. E. von Baer, the subsequent opponent of Darwin and Haeckel, has discussed in two beautiful addresses (Das allgemeinste Gesetz der Natur in aller Entwickelung, andWelche Auffassung der lebenden Natur ist die richtige, und wie ist diese Auffassung auf die Entomologie anzuwenden?) the narrowness of the view which regards an animal in its existing state as finished and complete, instead of conceiving it as a phase in the series of evolutionary forms and regarding the species itself as a phase of the development of the animal world in general.
[80]An address delivered before the General Session of the German Association of Naturalists and Physicians, at Vienna, Sept. 24, 1894.
[80]An address delivered before the General Session of the German Association of Naturalists and Physicians, at Vienna, Sept. 24, 1894.
[81]Inaugural lecture delivered on assuming the Professorship of the History and Theory of Inductive Science in the University of Vienna, October 21, 1895.
[81]Inaugural lecture delivered on assuming the Professorship of the History and Theory of Inductive Science in the University of Vienna, October 21, 1895.
[82]The phrase is,Er hat das Pulver nicht erfunden.
[82]The phrase is,Er hat das Pulver nicht erfunden.
[83]"Quod si quis tanta industria exstitisset, ut ex naturae principiis at geometria hanc rem eruere potuisset, eum ego supra mortalium sortem ingenio valuisse dicendum crederem. Sed hoc tantum abest, ut fortuito reperti artificii rationem non adhuc satis explicari potuerint viri doctissimi."—Hugenii Dioptrica (de telescopiis).
[83]"Quod si quis tanta industria exstitisset, ut ex naturae principiis at geometria hanc rem eruere potuisset, eum ego supra mortalium sortem ingenio valuisse dicendum crederem. Sed hoc tantum abest, ut fortuito reperti artificii rationem non adhuc satis explicari potuerint viri doctissimi."—Hugenii Dioptrica (de telescopiis).
[84]I must not be understood as saying that the fire-drill has played no part in the worship of fire or of the sun.
[84]I must not be understood as saying that the fire-drill has played no part in the worship of fire or of the sun.
[85]Compare on this point the extremely interesting remarks of Dr. Paul Carus in hisPhilosophy of the Tool, Chicago, 1893.
[85]Compare on this point the extremely interesting remarks of Dr. Paul Carus in hisPhilosophy of the Tool, Chicago, 1893.
[86]Möbius,Naturwissenschaftlicher Verein für Schleswig-Holstein, Kiel, 1893, p. 113 et seq.
[86]Möbius,Naturwissenschaftlicher Verein für Schleswig-Holstein, Kiel, 1893, p. 113 et seq.
[87]I am indebted for this observation to Professor Hatscheck.
[87]I am indebted for this observation to Professor Hatscheck.
[88]Cf. Hoppe,Entdecken und Finden, 1870.
[88]Cf. Hoppe,Entdecken und Finden, 1870.
[89]See the lecture "Sensations of Orientation," p. 282 et seq.
[89]See the lecture "Sensations of Orientation," p. 282 et seq.
[90]This story was related to me by Jolly, and subsequently repeated in a letter from him.
[90]This story was related to me by Jolly, and subsequently repeated in a letter from him.
[91]I do not know whether Swift's academy of schemers in Lagado, in which great discoveries and inventions were made by a sort of verbal game of dice, was intended as a satire on Francis Bacon's method of making discoveries by means of huge synoptic tables constructed by scribes. It certainly would not have been ill-placed.
[91]I do not know whether Swift's academy of schemers in Lagado, in which great discoveries and inventions were made by a sort of verbal game of dice, was intended as a satire on Francis Bacon's method of making discoveries by means of huge synoptic tables constructed by scribes. It certainly would not have been ill-placed.
[92]"Crescunt disciplinae lente tardeque; per varios errores sero pervenitur ad veritatem. Omnia praeparata esse debent diuturno et assiduo labore ad introitum veritatis novae. Jam illa certo temporis momento divina quadam necessitate coacta emerget."Quoted by Simony,In ein ringförmiges Band einen Knoten zu machen, Vienna, 1881, p. 41.
[92]"Crescunt disciplinae lente tardeque; per varios errores sero pervenitur ad veritatem. Omnia praeparata esse debent diuturno et assiduo labore ad introitum veritatis novae. Jam illa certo temporis momento divina quadam necessitate coacta emerget."
Quoted by Simony,In ein ringförmiges Band einen Knoten zu machen, Vienna, 1881, p. 41.
[93]A lecture delivered on February 24, 1897, before theVerein zur Verbreitung naturwissenschaftlicher Kenntnisse in Wien.
[93]A lecture delivered on February 24, 1897, before theVerein zur Verbreitung naturwissenschaftlicher Kenntnisse in Wien.
[94]Wollaston,Philosophical Transactions, Royal Society, 1810. In the same place Wollaston also describes and explains the creaking of the muscles. My attention was recently called to this work by Dr. W. Pascheles.—Cf. also Purkinje,Prager medicin.Jahrbücher, Bd. 6, Wien, 1820.
[94]Wollaston,Philosophical Transactions, Royal Society, 1810. In the same place Wollaston also describes and explains the creaking of the muscles. My attention was recently called to this work by Dr. W. Pascheles.—Cf. also Purkinje,Prager medicin.Jahrbücher, Bd. 6, Wien, 1820.
[95]Similarly many external forces do not act at once on all parts of the earth, and the internal forces which produce deformations act at first immediately only upon limited parts. If the earth were a feeling being, the tides and other terrestrial events would provoke in it similar sensations to those of our movements. Perhaps the slight alterations of the altitude of the pole which are at present being studied are connected with the continual slight deformations of the central ellipsoid occasioned by seismical happenings.
[95]Similarly many external forces do not act at once on all parts of the earth, and the internal forces which produce deformations act at first immediately only upon limited parts. If the earth were a feeling being, the tides and other terrestrial events would provoke in it similar sensations to those of our movements. Perhaps the slight alterations of the altitude of the pole which are at present being studied are connected with the continual slight deformations of the central ellipsoid occasioned by seismical happenings.
[96]For the popular explanation by unconscious inference the matter is extremely simple. We regard the railway carriage as vertical and unconsciously infer the inclination of the trees. Of course the opposite conclusion that we regard the trees as vertical and infer the inclination of the carriage, unfortunately, is equally clear on this theory.
[96]For the popular explanation by unconscious inference the matter is extremely simple. We regard the railway carriage as vertical and unconsciously infer the inclination of the trees. Of course the opposite conclusion that we regard the trees as vertical and infer the inclination of the carriage, unfortunately, is equally clear on this theory.
[97]It will be observed that my way of thinking and experimenting here is related to that which led Knight to the discovery and investigation of the geotropism of plants.Philosophical Transactions, January 9, 1806. The relations between vegetable and animal geotropism have been more recently investigated by J. Loeb.
[97]It will be observed that my way of thinking and experimenting here is related to that which led Knight to the discovery and investigation of the geotropism of plants.Philosophical Transactions, January 9, 1806. The relations between vegetable and animal geotropism have been more recently investigated by J. Loeb.
[98]This experiment is doubtless related to the galvanotropic experiment with the larvæ of frogs described ten years later by L. Hermann. Compare on this point my remarks in theAnzeiger der Wiener Akademie, 1886, No. 21. Recent experiments in galvanotropism are due to J. Loeb.
[98]This experiment is doubtless related to the galvanotropic experiment with the larvæ of frogs described ten years later by L. Hermann. Compare on this point my remarks in theAnzeiger der Wiener Akademie, 1886, No. 21. Recent experiments in galvanotropism are due to J. Loeb.