Virginia Argus. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1796-1816, 1809-05-16


Garth describes, are of the most elongated
kind for the circumference of the earth's
orbit is nearly $40 millions of miles, and
the circumference of the earth itself only
"a, 863 miles. Therefore upon ejaculation
the proportion between the axis and base
of those cycloids which the earth describes,
will be found to be nearly as to s..
The difference of velocity in the two he
mispheres OF the globe, during her diurnal
rotation, varies considerably from another
cause. The axis ofthe earth is neither per-
pendicu'ar or horizontal to the plane of the
ecliptic; but makes an angle with it of a
bout go 32'. Also, the axis always re-
mains directed to the same star, while the
earth describes an ellipsis round the sun !;
but to ascertain the change in the difference
OF velocity from this cause, requires calcu-
lat'ons which the present time or the scope
OF this essay does NOT permit.
In the next place with respect to the
tides what particular effect, the difference
of velocities of the two hemispheres may
produce, have not yet ascertained only
can demonstrate, that they must he affect
ed, If the opposite sides OF the earth move
with different velocities, for it is shewn in
Sir Isaac Newton's Principal, that az the
equatorial parts of the earth move quickest,
they will recede farther from the axis of
Ter. Besides, the truth of this theory has
Seen,demonstrated by actual measurement
There ore, as ike causes produce similar
effects difference of veiocities in the two
hemispheres of the earth must also produce
difference in the gravitation of these
parts. Wherefore, uy the principles de-
nonstrated in the second book of the Pru-
cipia, the waters which encompass the
globe will be highest on those parts of the
earth, which move swiItest. Also, since il
has been ascertained from the same prnci.
pie, that bodies near the poles are heavier
than those towards the equator AMI that
pendulum winch vibrates seconds near
the poles, vibrates slower near the equa.
tor--In like manner all bodies must be hea.
vier for twelve hours of the earth's rotati.
on, than for the other twelve. Also, n PEN
dulum must vbrate slowsr for the one half
OF the diurnal rotation, than tor the other
half-AgaiD, since the muscular force of
ANIMALS remains the same; while their gra.
witty changes IL likewise follows, that the
human species, with all animated nature.
must be more powerful for twelve hours in
every tw enty.fo Ir, and that their muscular
force m, st graInally increase and decrease
In every ro.ation OF the earth round its AK s.
A circumstance here presents itself.
which have frequently heard, but never
non, only of superstition although now /
perceive that species of plausible argu-
me9t may be offered in ITS support. The
circumstance to which 1 allude is this
That some persons arr said to be able by
suspendiDg key or other weight across
their thumb, to denote the particular hour
of the day. II may, therefore, be possible.
that the muscles OF some indi viduals are so
irritable by the chinge of gravity, as to pro-
tluce this phenomenon.
That the storms ofthe equinox, the trade
winds aud other winds, must be affected on
tine same principle as the tides, is evident:
but in what particular manner it is impos.
sbe to determine without much time, la
Dor, and caiculation--l shall therefore close
the subject at present, by noticing one re-
markablc phenomenon in astronomy which
appears to me more capable of being solved
by this theory, than any other - mean the
spots in the sun.
The most rational opinion which has been
advanced OH this subject, is 5v DR.. Wilson.
CT Glasgow, in the 64tn volume of the lilo
sophicai Transactions. The DocVo up.
poses that they are ho,lows in the sur ce
of the luminary. That the vast body of
the sun is made up of two kinds of matter
very different in their qualities that by TAI
the greatest part is solid aud dark and
covering of some resplendent substance,
which e1bs and flows like the waters on
the surface of this earth, and consequently
Cause these hollows periodically (as several
os them have been observed) to appear and
disappear.
The greatest objection which has been
started to the Doctors theory is, that no
Cause could be assigned for the ebbing and
flowing of this igncous liquid on the sun,
but If we suppose, with DR.. Maskeline, that
the sun has not only rotatory motion a.
bout its axis, but progressive motion with
his attendant planets through the regions of
space then every difficulty will vanish.
j. w.
Manchester Academy, 18th May, 1902.
-. NoTE.--Let the point G, be suppos-
ed to be the point Of the wheel diametri-
cally opposite to ID, one half of the circle
being only represented in the plate