The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1895-09-06

springing up in scientific circles regarding
what the Smithsonian Institution is pleased to
term mysterious influence" and known as
gravitation evinces an unsettled state OF the
theory in the leading scientific minds OF the
world. The theory Of gravitation has long
been accepted as not only true but demon
strable. II so thoroughly settled why invite
discussion and more especially confne that
discussion within the narrow limits OF the
theory?
May l be pardoned if ask if it is not posi-
BILE that the whole theory of gravitation as
taught and understood Is an error? We are
aware that theories antedating that of Sir Isaac
Newton's and longer-liyed were proved to be
erroneous, although supposed to be clearly
demOnstrable. Newton's theory of gravitation
is but stride in advance of the last preceding
it, and stride In the direction OF ultimate
truth.
1t is not the purpose OF this letter to discuss
the theory of grayitation. 1t is merely in.
tended as an entering wedge to widen the dis
Cussion to one of LIBERAL scientific dimensions.
While there is abundant and undeniable evil
dence OF q local force termed gravity, by which
bodies at or near the earth surface are drawn
toward its center, is there any such evidence
that that force is universal in its action? Is
not all the evide nee that such is the case pre-
sumptiye?
1 ask for information: If planet is abso-
lutely imponderable (Which follows from the
self-evident fact that matter is imponderablel,
can there be a reason or necessity Tor mold
ing force to keep it in its orbit? If 1t Is in
sisted that the holding or central force IS
l ask, can one conceive of the centrifugal
action OF body moving in circulinear path
where all resistance is removed? There is q
pull or centrifugal action OF a BODY whirled
about the head at the end of q cord. II all
resistance were suddenly removed would the
centrifugal action remain the same? AS
matter OF fact would not that action altogether
cease? And, further, would not the whirilng
body continue unaided to "move on forever"
without the power to cease moving, change its
direction or velocity? And the orbit OF the
main its orbit forever? Why not? The cord
which was used to propel and hold the body
would then be entirely useless, would II not?
Well, the usefulness OF that cord under the
circumstances above mentioned illustrates
the economic principle OF gravitauon.
l shall here give quotations from DR.. Fara-
day that bear evidence OF his skepticism con-
corning the existence of gravity acting as q
distinct and separate force. After vainly striv-
ing by experimenting to find the slightest trace
OF the existence OF this so-ealled force he said
"The case of q force simply removed or sus-
pended, without transferred exertion in an
other direction, appears to me to be absolutely
impossible" Again "The idea of gravity
appears to me to ignore entirely the principle
"That there should be power of gravitation
existing by itself, having no respect to the law
OF the conservation of force is as little likely
as that there should be a principle OF levity an
we'll rs of gravity"
And gravity as distinct force remains as
unknown and imaginary quantity to this day.
Suppose, however, that we assume the earth to
be a vast electromagnet capable OF attracting
all magnetized matter, presumably all matter?
Then we substitute terrestrial magnetism for
gravity and the problem of reconciling the
principle of attraction with the prin-
ciple of the conservation of force is solved. By
the way, the scientific world already claims
that the earth Is vast magnet, yet denies
that 1t is capable of attraction. How is this?
A magnet and yet incapable OF attraction?
The truth must be admitted, and the admission
carries with it the further admission that that
attraction is not universal. We must consider
the extent and limit of that attraction as the
earths magnetic field OF force. That field of
force, as shown by the dipping needle, is made
up of lines of force which span the magnetic
equator and diverge or converge at either pole.
The extreme limit OF the earth's magnetic field
of force is the extreme limit of the earths at
traction. Upon this hypothesis can account
equally for the incompatible actions of elias
ITCHY, magnetism, affinity. cohesion" together
with Comprehensive theory of molecular
force" Not only this, but can elaborate the
principle of the conservation of force to cover
the entire field of mechanics, including the
philosophy of falling bodies, projectiles, and
all conceivable movements of bodies, local and
planetary. Respectfully, w. w. FELTs,
Member Philosophical Society of Great Bri-
tain, author principles of Science" etc., 1928
o street, Sacramento, Cal.