Richmond palladium. [volume] (Richmond, IA [i.e. Ind.]) 1839-1854, 1843-02-11

I In some of our elementary works on Natural
Philosophy, it is asserted that The time Of the as
cent and descent Of bodies, il the same. Com
stock for example, says, page 81, 531 edition
"'rhe same law that governs descending body.
governs an ascending one, only, that motions are
reversed" and Iabors by diagram 10 prove that
body requires precisely equal time in ascending
that i, does il descending, and makes allow
for the resistance Of the atmosphere; whore
as there is the difference Of double The resistance
Of the atmosphere, which is not inconsiderabic.
The time Of flight, however, says Newton,
'in resisting medium, such air, for II 10 rise
10 Fl certain height is very different from the time
of It's descent; the latter being much less than
he former Now, the first part Of this period Is
correct, VIZ: that the time of ascent and descent
is very different, but il tina, the latter
IS mach less than the former but the converse
ls true. The former or the time Of the ascent is
much less than that Of the descent. In order for
body TO descend in the same time tina, ii
cends, it would require powe draw wing i, to the
earth equal to that which overcome its momentum
when ascending. BIT this power does not exist.
In an ascending body, the attraction Of gravity
and The resistance act in concert and mutually
overcome the force which propels the body. But
in descending the case is otherwise Attraction
draws ii to tho earth. bat the atmosphere ressts
it. IL body be thrown upwards with force OF
ii pounds and attraction overcome 10 Of these
pounds and the al: l pound, they would neutralize
the force at a certain height. In descending, at
traction draws il TO The earth with force of 10
pounds, but the air ress,s of these pounds.
The body would therefore fail ii as it assembled
Wherefore 1t is not true Comstocs saws that
Newton Prime asserts tha, tho latter (descenD
Is much less than the former (asccnt)
In taking friendly leave Of Newton mus,
congrn'ulnte him on his accurate knowledge of
philosophical style. The world is certainly in
dented TO him for discovering that D1n Quixotte
is one OF the Technical! terms of philosophy. He
further has my sincere thanks for tho kind man.
ner III which he was pleased to notice my
marks, and no, ouy pardon him las he humbly
begs pardon) but feel truly grateful to him for
kindly volunteering 10 enlIghtcn my ignorance.
hope, for the future, when the learned .Ncwton
Prime wishes to display his learning by ano,h or
phippic, he will frs, know 10 what he is ohjsc-
ting and then write instanter. The world has IA
claim on his talents!
Newton very kind informs me that my time
should be devoted to my country, and suggests
knighterrantry az a proper employment. Now,
as Newton has volunteered to act the par, Of
Sanco Panza, we will set soon TO search ad. /
ventures. !hope TO bestow island on Newton:
This article has already been pro,racted to an
unwarranted length. As pa!liaiion for this Of
fence, promise not to trouble the reader again
unless, what is not all probable, New tom
should buuder on some argument against what
has been said. hope Newton will not cease
to write; ii is such agreeable pastime would not
disturb his amusement. ISAAC kINLEY, ir.