Weekly national intelligencer. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1841-1869, 1853-11-19


affirm that the exposition in the ntellgencer does not
amount TO a demonstration Of it. am compelled to adj
NIT That many processes and operations IN the modern
higher calculus which are to accomplished analysts clear
and satisfactory demonstrations to Incompetent
sible Possibly mind of larger capacity and greater
familiarity with such investigations may the connex-
ion and dependence of things in this exposition which
unperceved by Even should Mr. Coues consider the
article the ntesencer demonstration, il is hoped
he may be induced TO make the steps of his
clearer to and the mass Of his readers.
1t is not necessary to inform him that regarding the
planets penduums their radii the pendu-
ous lengths and their revolutions their times Of ybra-
ton and their comparing their revolutions BY the rule
(Which he admits to be correct that the ratio of the
times Of vibration equals the ratio Of the square
Of the lengths, will give results totally inconsistent with
the facts of the
No attempt has been made to compute what result
would be given by computing the time of fall through
half the radius yector because in accordance with the
laws generally received element enter into the
calculation which, from minuteness being napprecabe,
is dsrgarded for short spaces hear the ears surface
and the mode of procedure which his theory requires for
that is not known have therefore entirely failed
in discovering how he deduces his formula from the laws
Of the pendulum.
After giving by way of example the formula applied
to the moons orbit he states that he will compute with
the variation of introducing the ratio of the circumference
to the diameter of circle but for what purpose or what
additional evidence it affords for the validity of the for
mula is The ratio is used factor and
diysor and OF course (just in multiplying
the and denominator Of fraction by the same
number does change its value neither does faci
tate the computation Neither is the perceived
for deductng the diameter Of the earth from that of the
sun, which is deemed papable TO need expana-
tion for taking double the diameter of the moons
orbit
In illustration of this circumstance we are reminded
that for every point moving in direction in the da
meter of rotating sphere there is corresponding point
on the opposite side of the diameter moving in contrary
direction. Ii may be observed that mechanical writer's
speaking of circular motion sometimes give such deni-
tons of direction of motion would render the express
sion incorrect 1t is not worth while inquire how far
this conventional Specification is is approved and
acquiesced in, as Mr. Coues's meaning is clear. The
consequences he draws from il quite clear,
and it is perfectly unintelisble to how this makes
double rotation. If 1t does, what is single rotation?
There is design to divert Mr. Coues from the mme-
date objects he has in view but it would be satsfac-
ton know whether the theory takes cognzance of
the experiments Of Maskene and lack and the obserya-
tons of the French in the Andes, the diver
gence from the vertical of plumb lines produced by the
proximity Of mountains; and also for the experiments
Of Cayendsh and Bay and possibly of Coulomb with the
torson pendulum.
expressed 1t is presumed he must aude pecu-
liar physical theory of it, He would hardly repadiate
the existence OF centre of gravity defined by some
approved writer's mechanics. In the article itself au
sons made 10 the where while the formula
presses correctly the phenomena the physical theory
associated with it is unsound Yet was somewhat
prised at the estimate made of the merits of the
thod compared with the old Ptolemaic But the high
authority by whom that estimate is made and my want
Of familiarity with the matter forbid that should ven
ture any observations the subject.
Were not certain that Mr. Coues better acquainted
with the Principal than myself would take the liberty
Of suggesting mot account Of the tenor of his article
in the lntelgencer but of remarks in his mocha
nical philosophy n REORGANIZATION of the eighth defn-
ton. But as in objections made to the Principal mean
ngs attached TO terms which expressly dsayowed
by Newton, few lines quoted from the definition
which is upon centrpea force but the remarks also
plain the in which terms used in other defni
tons as well as the rest Of the work:
For here design only give mathematical notion Of
those forces, without considering their physical ard
seats"
And again:
likewise call attractions and impulses in the same sense
acceerave and motive; and the words impulse pro-
pensiy Of any towards promiseuouy and indf
erenty one fer another considering these forces not physi
eaiy but automatically wherefore the reader to ina
gne that by these words any where take upon define
en er manner q any ae eaSes OF rea
sens0o certain (which only points
when at time happen 10 speak Of centres attracting
or endued with attractive powers"-Ntss Translation.
And in his general scholium at the end Of the third
book to prevent al misconcepon he again explains the
clearly in which such terms used In the last
twelve lines Of the scholium he throws out hint, and
only hint. concerning most subtle spirit which per-
vades aud lies hid il all gross bodies" and thus CON
cludcs:
But there things that cannot Be explained in few
words nor furnished with that ucency expert
merts which IL required determination and
denomination @ The Laws BY which this electric and elastic
II
differences drawn from this hint are assailed as doc
nes Of the Principal Now, whether his conjecture on
this point was right or wrong, they do affect his prn
cpes IN the work, as he expressly cautions that he
introduces into it no such considerations and does
take upon himself to define the kind or manner Of any
action the causes Of physical thereof At all
events those who attribute all the motions and changes
matter to modification of electric magnetic force
Or any similar thing, have little to quarrel with
this subtle spirit.
An observation has been omitted in its proper place
above concerning the principle that rotation common
urate with revolution is half Of the velocity Of reyou
4 non Does this mean ths3if planet occupied the
whole orbit Of the moon it would require for one rotation
on s AXIS the time IN which the makes reyou
\ tons in its orbit?
In conclusion, Nessrs. Editors, l would remark that
the endeayor to avoid the Of any expressions
which would seem to imply the truth Of any law or theory
rpudaed by Mr. Coues has compelled the resort to much
clumsy circumlocuon and therefore crave indulgence
for my tediousness.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant, E.
NOVEMBER 9, 1853.
Trrs-Yp rfN..r Tao.