The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1851-07-22
Our Cincinnati correspondence.

CINCINNATI, July III, loJl.
Foucauhs Experiment on the EaptiS R,cotaiOn-
Popular HirefpetousnesS-Uam of Faith IN Sci
eaifc Fads-Ihe Hon. Tom COrwia, etc., etc.
Passing events, of public character, in this
thriving settlement on the north bank of the Ohio,
have not been for the last week, of much startling
moment. The pendulum experiment Of Mons.
Foucault, giving a and visible demonstration
Of the revolution Of the earth upon its axis, was
exhibited in the hall Of the Ohio Mechanics lnsti-
tute, to popular audience last week, by Professor
Docke, of the Medical College of Ohio, WAC gave
an interesting lecture upon the subject, accompa-
MED with diagrams and model illustrations Of the
principles involved, which gave general satisfac-
tien. The professor stated that the discovery of
toucault suggest to the consideration of mathema-
tican principles of calculation in the science of
trgonometry. lie stated that the time required
for the pendulum to make entire revolution, in
this latitude, is thirty.eght hours. The reason for
this the Professor illustrated by suitable diagrams
and globes. The general impression is, / believe,
that the pendulum would certainly return to the
track in which it was first caused to yibrate in
twenty-four hours, and it required much explana-
ton to impress upon the minds Of his audience that
il would not complete its revolution in less than
thirty-eght hours. lie said this is owing to the
fact, that the actual track Of the pendulum, being
upon a plane, was greater than the apparent
one upon the globe over which IL passes; conse-
quently il required longer time than the earth to
complete its revolution. / do not know that have
perfectly stated the proposition, can say that
| clearly comprehend the why and the wherefore
with regard TO the question Of times but with res
pect TO the great central fact ITSELF tia this ex-
pertinent does furnish the world new and visible
demonstration Of the sphcricty and Of the oscllary
revolution OF the earth We inhabit, / cannot con-
Ceiye that any one, capable of seeing and reasoning
from cause to effect, can for a moment entertain a
doubt. Yet, notwithstanding such Il the slowness
and difficulty which attends the introduce ion Of new
truths In any branch Of science, ] really believe
that not the half Of the scientific men ia the world
who have heard Of this exp eriment, give il any
degree of respectful mott or consideration; and az
far ~ the opinion OF the great Of mankind IL
concerned, If the question was pat TO them they
would decide 1t, by an overwhelming majority TO
he all huinbug, a. they lid, la the early ages OF az
tronomy, with regard TO the Copcrnican system.
here are many who at once pronounce the whole
matter q new edition Of the celebrated moon hoax
and nsnifest such degree o. contempt for it, that
they VIII not waste moment Of their precious
time to the candid investigation OF the subject
But. as simple and important as the experiment
nay appear, It should receive the carnest atten-
tion Of the scientific world. Il may be that il will
eventually prove, like many other simple truths
and experiments in the arts and sciences, in time
Iast, one of a series cf facts which will be
highly important and beneficial 20 mankind.
1t was for many years that electromapnst-
ism, which in its application to the uses Of
man, Is now the great wonder Of the age.
was regarded by the scientific men of tho
world as mere philosophical toy, to amuse the
chill iren; and who is so omnisccnt at this day ns
TO presume TO decide that this. discovery Of fou-
cault, which many speak Of as mere toy, unworthy
of serious consideration, may not open the door 70
the discovery Of some important invention in the
arts or sciences, highly useful to man II l. bu.
initiating fact-one which, from N partia Atty 10 NV
cOuntrymen. almost blush to mont. n til AZ there
is rot. even how, ono person Ina a hundred wto
really believes that there is word Of truth in the
electric trc,-sph-tbat communication between
distant points IN our country ~ made instantaneous
by means Of wires. Make the statement Of the
fact 10 mixed crowd, and ten chances 10 one but
you will be bsscd and groaned at, if they thought
you wanted to humbug them.
AIgo2Us-a story Is told upon pretty good autho-
rity that at a political discussion, at one Of the
hastings in Illinois believe, one Of the aspirants
for Office, an intelligent snd eloquent speaker.
during the delivery Of long and able speech 10 a
large meeting Of citizens, took occ aston speak Of
the onward progress Of science in our day aud ge-
neraton, and REQUIRED 10 the electric elegraph NJ
mi ghty achievement Of sciense. lie stated the
act, that BY means VI the telegraph1 t.i,aasa