Virginia Argus. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1796-1816, 1812-11-30

itthfs article meets the eve Of Mr. Duane,
that he would signify IN his paper whether
am substantially accurate or not. If
nave not run into error, it will corroborate
The truth OF the invention because it will
demonstrate that 1T depends on certain prin-
ciples, easy to be understood. At anv rate.
'hink machine To perpetuate gravitati-
on might be framed in the way l describe it.
The idea have derived altogether from the
publications in the .Aurora for / have no
pretensoEs whatever to the character of
mechanical inventnr.
Something has been said, in relation to
tins topic, in the newspapers, touching the
Uia enertfs of matter; i'm which the writer's
cndeavor to subvert the Ncwtonian motion
concerning the inert power of matter But,
a little reflection will shew that Mr. Read
hefer's machine opposes nothing to the pis
enertiR of Sir Isaac. Newton contends that
all matter has an inherent quality of gravita-
ton, that is, weighty body will always de-
scend towards common center of rest I'M
less opposed in its progress by more re-
slsting body. Now it is obvious that Mr.
Readheler's invention proceeds entirely up
on this principle; for the weights and the
carriages perpetuate their gravitation for
want OF corresponding resistance And
SO coMPoUNDINC the CRhTIfhq'IoN zu1ich
IVe7vson identified. as to make bodies If e.
qudf weight fierform in connection, unequal
ORGANIZATIONS by equal means and in equal
times and distances. For this do him ho-
nor, and wish to sustain him in the public
estimation. But let no man attempt to I'M
dervalue Newton, to whom, (wthout doing
injustice to the genius of Pennsylvania am
bold to say that Mr. Readhefer can no more
be compared than Zerah Colborn to Euclid.
Newton's discovery was uniue-sai Mr..
Readhefer's is Particular The former in
| Guided the latter. but the latter does not in
clude the former; just as rule in arithme-
tic is founded upon princip e, but not the
principle upon the rule. The mistake in
comparing Mr.. Readhefer to Newton as a
discoverer, has arisen from the circumstance
ofthe progression of gravity in the invention
OF the former being circular instead of down-
wards But nevertheless, it proceeds upon
the same principle in both cases The ma
turai gravitation of matter through the art
is downwards; but if resisted in direc-
downward course it will oblique in coinci-
dence with any obliquing opposing force
Thus, in Mr.. Readhefer's plan the inclined
plane is moUea6ie and perpetually o6igueS
to the gravitation of the carriages. And
the motion of the thing is continued by tht
continual cfort Of matter 10 .fuLfi the Laz,
ofits mature; which is a beautiful ilustra.
ton of Newton's discovery.
You know, Mr.. Peasants, that am not q
Virginian and therefore these remarks ARE
not to be attributed, because they appear ir
your paper, to state jealous. feel proud
that Mr. Readhefer is an american, Ga name
IN which l wish to see all local distinction.
merged) because that circumstance will give
to this Country therehutarion of the invention
let Mr.. Readhefer's faculties and knowledge
be what they NAV. Notwithstanding, ycne
rate Sir Isaac Newton as man who ha,
given me more sublime and exact ideas O.
the Deity than any other philosopher Whose
writings have read. G.