II. On the precession of the equinoxes

1807 ◽  
Vol 97 ◽  
pp. 57-82
Keyword(s):  
Natural Philosophy ◽  
The Other ◽  
The Sun ◽  
Sir Isaac Newton ◽  
Isaac Newton ◽  
The Third ◽  
The Earth ◽  
Figure Of The Earth ◽  
The Subject ◽  
Theory Of Gravity

Perhaps the solution of no other problem, in natural philo­sophy, has so often baffled the attempts of mathematicians as that of determining the precession of the equinoxes, by the theory of gravity. The phenomenon itself was observed about one hundred and fifty years before the Christian æra, but Sir Isaac Newton was the first who endeavoured to estimate its magnitude by the true principles of motion, combined with the attractive influence of the sun and moon on the spheroidal figure of the earth. It has always been allowed, by those competent to judge, that his investigations relating to the subject evince the same transcendent abilities as are displayed in the other parts of his immortal work, the mathematical Principles of natural Philosophy, but, for more than half a century past, it has been justly asserted that he made a mistake in his process, which rendered his conclusions erro­neous. Since the detection of this error, some of the most eminent mathematicians in Europe have attempted solutions of the problem. Their success has been various; but their investi­gations may be arranged under three general heads. Under the first of these may be placed such as lead to a wrong conclusion, in consequence of a mistake committed in some part of the proceedings. The second head may be allotted to those in which the conclusions may be admitted as just, but rendered so by the counteraction of opposite errors. Such may be ranked under the third head as are conducted without error fatal to the conclusion, and in which the result is as near the truth as the subject seems to admit.

scholarly journals On the precession of the equinoxes

1832 ◽  
Vol 1 ◽  
pp. 253-254
Keyword(s):  
The Sun ◽  
Sir Isaac Newton ◽  
Isaac Newton ◽  
The Third ◽  
The Earth ◽  
Figure Of The Earth ◽  
The Subject

The Professor observes, that Sir Isaac Newton was the first mathematician who endeavoured to estimate the quantity of the precession from the attractive influence of the sun and moon on the spheroidal figure of the earth. His investigations relating to this subject evince the same transcendent abilities that are displayed in other parts of his Principia; but it is admitted, that, from a mistake in his process, his conclusion is erroneous. The investigations of other mathematicians in attempting the solu­tion of the same problem are arranged by the author under three general heads. The first arrive at wrong conclusions, in consequence of mistake in some part of their proceedings; the second obtain just conclusions, but rendered so by balance of opposite errors; the third approach as near the truth as the nature of the subject will admit, but, in the author’s estimation, are liable to the charge of obscurity and perplexity.

scholarly journals On the grounds of the method which Laplace has given in the chapter of the third book of his Mécanique Céleste for computing the attractions of spheroids of every description

1832 ◽  
Vol 1 ◽  
pp. 413-415
Keyword(s):  
Gradual Increase ◽  
Sir Isaac Newton ◽  
Isaac Newton ◽  
The Third ◽  
Fluid State ◽  
The Earth ◽  
Figure Of The Earth ◽  
Primitive Condition ◽  
Uniform Fluid

Sir Isaac Newton, who first considered the figure of the earth and planets, confined his view to the supposition of their having been originally in a fluid state; and he conceived them to retain the same figure which they assumed in their primitive condition; and those mathematicians who succeeded him in the same path of inquiry have seldom ventured beyond this limited hypothesis, and have shown, that when a body composed of one uniform fluid revolves about its axis, or even if it consists of several fluids of different densities, its parts will be in equilibrium, and it will preserve its figure when it has the form of an elliptic spheroid of revolution oblate at the poles. But though the supposition of original fluidity of the mass simplifies the investigation, it does not seem to be warranted by what we see of the surface; for in that case, Mr. Ivory observes, the arrangement of all the heterogeneous matters would have been according to their densities; those least dense occupying the surface with gradual increase of density to the centre; whereas, on the contrary, nothing can be more irregular than the density of such solid parts of the earth as come under our observation, and the elevation of continents above the level of the sea, as well as the depths of the different channels which contain the waters of the ocean.

scholarly journals XXIV. A discourse concerning the menstrual parallax, arising from the mutual gravitation of the Earth and Moon; it's influence on the observations of the Sun and Planets; with a method of observing it: By J. Smeaton, F. R. S

1768 ◽  
Vol 58 ◽  
pp. 156-169 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Center Of Gravity ◽  
The Sun ◽  
Sir Isaac Newton ◽  
Isaac Newton ◽  
The Earth ◽  
Common Center

It is demonstrated by Sir Isaac Newton in the Principia , that it is not the Earth's center, but the common center of gravity of the Earth and Moon, that describes the ecliptic; and that the Earth and Moon revolve in similar ellipses, about their common center of gravity.

Brighter than how many suns? Sir Isaac Newton’s burning mirror

1989 ◽  
Vol 43 (1) ◽  
pp. 31-51 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Royal Society ◽  
Scientific Literature ◽  
Radiant Heat ◽  
The Other ◽  
Sir Isaac Newton ◽  
Isaac Newton ◽  
Other Hand ◽  
The Press ◽  
The Subject ◽  
Hearsay Evidence

There are a number of references in the scientific literature to a burning mirror designed by Sir Isaac Newton (1). Together, they record that it was made from seven separate concave glasses, each about a foot in diameter, that Newton demonstrated its effects at several meetings of the Royal Society and that he presented it to the Society. Nonetheless, neither the earliest published list of instruments possessed by the Royal Society nor the most recent one mentions the burning mirror; the latest compiler does not even include it amongst those items, once owned, now lost. No reference to the instrument apparently survives in the Society’s main records. It is not listed by the author of the recent compendium on Newton’s life and work (2). There is, however, some contemporary information still extant (Appendix 1). Notes of the principles of its design and some of its effects are to be found in the Society’s Journal Book for 1704; some of the dimensions and the arrangement of the mirrors are given in a Lexicon published by John Harris which he donated to the Royal Society at the same meeting, 12 July 1704, at which Newton gave the Society the speculum. The last reference in the Journal Book is dated 15 November that year, when Mr Halley, the then secretary to the Society, was desired to draw up an account of the speculum and its effects (3). No such account appears to have been presented to the Royal Society. There is no reference in Newton’s published papers and letters of his chasing Halley to complete the task, nor is there any mention of it in the general references to Halley. The latter was, of course, quite accustomed to performing odd jobs for Newton; that same year he was to help the Opticks through the press. The only other contemporary reference to the burning mirror, though only hearsay evidence since Flamsteed was not present at the meeting, is in a letter the latter wrote to James Pound; this confirms that there were seven mirrors and that the aperture of each was near a foot in diameter (4). Because John Harris gave his Dictionary to the Royal Society in Newton’s presence, it is reasonable to assume that his description is accurate. As Newton would hardly have left an inaccurate one unchallenged, then, belatedly, the account desired of Mr Halley can be presented. In some respects, the delay is advantageous, since the subject of radiant heat and its effects, although already by Newton’s period an ancient one, is today rather better understood. On the other hand, some data has to be inferred, that could have been measured, and some assumptions made about Newton’s procedures and understanding that could have been checked (5).

I. On the grounds of the method which laplace has given in the second chapter of the third book of his mémcanique céleste for computing the attractions of spheroids of every description

1812 ◽  
Vol 102 ◽  
pp. 1-45 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Joint Effect ◽  
Uniform Density ◽  
Sir Isaac Newton ◽  
Isaac Newton ◽  
The Earth ◽  
Celestial Bodies ◽  
Primitive Condition ◽  
The Subject ◽  
Rotatory Motion ◽  
Complicated Nature

In every physical inquiry the fundamental conditions should be such as are supplied by observation. Were it possible to observe this rule in every case, theory would always comprehend in its determinations a true account of the phenomena of nature. Applying the maxim we have just mentioned to the question concerning the figure of the planets, the mathematician would have to investigate the figure which a fluid, covering a solid body of any given shape, and composed of parts that vary in their densities according to a given law, would assume by the joint effect of the attraction on every particle and a centrifugal force produced by a rotatory motion about an axis. The circumstances here enumerated are all that observation fully warrants us to adopt as the foundation of this inquiry: for, with regard to the earth we know little more than that it consists of a solid nucleus, or central part, covered with the sea; and with regard to the other planets, all our knowledge is derived from analogy which leads us to think that they are bodies resembling the earth. There is one consideration, however, by which the general research may be modified without hurting the strictest rules of philosophizing; and that is, the near approach to the spherical figure which is observed in all the celestial bodies : and it is fortunate that this circumstance contributes much to lessen the great difficulties that occur in the investigation. But, even with the advantage derived from this limitation, the inquiry is extremely difficult, and leads to calculations of the most abstruse and complicated nature; and, when viewed in the general manner we have mentioned, it far surpassed the power of the mathematical and mechanical sciences as they were known in the days of Sir Isaac Newton, who first considered the physical causes of the figure of the planets. That great man was therefore forced to take a more confined view of the subject and to admit such suppositions as seemed best adapted to simplify the investigation. He supposed in effect that the earth and planets at their creation were entirely fluid, and that they now preserve the same figures which they assumed in their primitive condition; a hypothesis by which the inquiry was reduced to determine the figure necessary for the equilibrium of a fluid mass. The mathematicians, who have followed in the same tract of inquiry, have seldom ventured to go beyond the limited supposition proposed by Newton. They have succeeded in shewing that a mass revolving about an axis, and composed of one fluid of a uniform density, or of different fluids of different densities, will be in equilibrium, and will for ever preserve its figure when it has the form of an elliptical spheroid of revolution oblate at the poles. It has likewise been proved that the same form is the only one capable of fulfilling the required conditions ; which completes the solution of the problem in so far as it regards a mass entirely fluid.

XIX. On the computation of the sun's distance from the earth, by the theory of gravity: In a letter to Mathew Maty, M.D. Sec. R. S. from the Rev. Mr. Horsley, F. R. S

1769 ◽  
Vol 59 ◽  
pp. 153-154
Keyword(s):  
Accurate Estimation ◽  
The Sun ◽  
The Earth ◽  
The Subject ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Theory Of Gravity

Sir, A little treatise, that has lately been published, against Dr. Stewart's method of determining the distance of the sun by the theory of gravity, has put me upon reconsidering a subject which I had long dismissed from my thoughts. I am far from being convinced that Dr. Stewart's conclusions are "erroneous upon his own principles," as his antagonist affirms; and I am well satisfied that there is no error in the principles themselves. I have always been sensible that an extreme precision was requisite in determining the mean quantity of the solar force affecting the moon's gravity towards the earth, in order to obtain an accurate estimation of the distance; and this circumstance was mentioned by me, in a paper that I communicated to the Society about two years ago, before it had been remarked, that I knew of, by any other writer upon the subject.

scholarly journals "THE EXPRESSION OF COLORS IN THE MURALS OF VARANASI"

2014 ◽  
Vol 2 (3SE) ◽  
pp. 1-3
Author(s):  
Ishwar Chand Gupta
Keyword(s):  
Human Mind ◽  
The Sun ◽  
Sir Isaac Newton ◽  
Isaac Newton ◽  
The Earth ◽  
Color Scheme ◽  
Color Psychology ◽  
The Universe ◽  
Different Parts ◽  
Rainy Days

Color is the soul of the picture, human attachment to colors has been there since time immemorial. The prevalence of colors is very old in Indian civilization and culture. Colors indicate our happiness in life, our companions. Their sixth is scattered around on social festivals. Rangoli is made at the entrance on the occasion of auspicious work or guest arrival. Colors fill our life with happiness and energy. Indian spirituality is also drenched with different colors. Many colors are present in the universe. The basis of Indian color psychology is nature. In nature, we see many colors in the sky, some of which appear to be anti-nature. Human attraction to colors has never diminished, from primitive cavities to modern humans took the support of colors (varnas) in the development of beauty. The human mind has always been eager to know the secret of colors. In 1670, a scientist named 'Sir Isaac Newton' first removed the mystery of the origin of colors. He believes that the color (color) originates from light. 1 All the colors that appear in nature are different parts of light. Realization comes from sunlight, that is, sunlight is considered to be the origin of colors. It is well known that there are seven colors in sunlight, but these seven colors are not visible to us because the earth revolves around the sun. And because of this rotation, these seven colors are not visible, all these colors are grouped in seven colors, which are not visible, but appear in the form of light (sunshine), seven colors of the rainbow in the sky in the rainy days. can be seen. The color scheme continues to develop along with the development of culture. Man seems to be absorbed in the color scheme from time immemorial. He enjoys developing his colors with culture, civilization. From the early twentieth century, artists began to use colors in a more developed form. रंग चित्र की आत्मा है, रंगों के प्रति मनुष्य आसक्ति आदिम समय से ही रहा है। भारतीय सभ्यता एवं संस्कृति में रंगों का प्रचलन बहुत पुराना है रंग हमारे जीवन के साथी, ये हमारे सुखों को इंगित करते हैं। सामाजिक उत्सवांे-पर्वों पर इनकी छठा चारों ओर बिखरी होती है। शुभ कार्य हो या अतिथि आगमन पर प्रवेश द्वार पर रंगोली बनाई जाती है रंग हमारे जीवन में खुशी एवं ऊर्जा भर देते हैं भारतीय आध्यात्म भी विभिन्न रंगों से सराबोर है। सृष्टि में अनेक रंग मौजूद हैं भारतीय रंग मनोविज्ञान का आधार प्रकृति है प्रकृति में अनेक रंगों को आकाश में देखते हैं जिनमें से कुछ विरोधी प्रकृति के दिखते हैं। रंगों के प्रति मानव का आकर्षण कभी कम नहीं हुआ, आदिम गुहावासियों से लेकर आधुनिक मानव ने सौन्दर्य के विकास में रंगों (वर्णों) का सहारा लिया। रंगों के प्रति रहस्य जानने के लिए मनुष्य का मन सदैव उत्सुक रहा है। सन् 1670 में ‘सर आइजक न्यूटन’ नामक वैज्ञानिक ने सर्वप्रथम रंगों के उत्पत्ति का रहस्य हटाया उनका मानना है कि वर्ण (कलर) की उत्पत्ति प्रकाश से होती है।1 प्रकृति में जितने भी रंग दिखाई देते हैं वे प्रकाश के विभिन्न अंग हैं प्रकाश की प्राप्ति सूर्य की रोशनी से होती है अर्थात् सूर्य की रोशनी ही रंगों का उद्गम माना गया है यह सर्वविदित है कि सूर्य की रोशनी में सात रंग होते हैं, किन्तु यह सात रंग इसलिए हमें नहीं दिखाई देते हैं कि पृथ्वी सूर्य के चारों ओर चक्कर लगाती है और इसी घूमने के कारण यह सातों रंग दिखाई नहीं पड़ते हैं इन सब रंगों का समूह सात रंग की पट्टीयाॅ होती हैं जो दिखाई नहीं पड़ते हैं, बल्कि प्रकाश (धूप) के रूप में दिखाई देते हैं इन्द्रधनुष के सात रंग वर्षा के दिनों में आकाश में दिखाई देते हैं। संस्कृति के विकास के साथ-साथ रंग योजना भी विकसित होती रहती है। मनुष्य अनादि काल से रंग योजना में लीन दिखाई देता है। उसे अपने रंगों को संस्कृति, सभ्यता के साथ विकास देने में आनन्द आता है। बीसवीं शताब्दी के आरंभ से ही कलाकारों ने रंगों का उपयोग अधिक विकसित रूप में करना शुरू किया।

scholarly journals XXXIV. On the transit of Venus in 1769. To the Right Honourable The Earl of Morton, President to the Council and Fellows of the Royal Society, this discourse is, with all humility, inscribed, by their humble servant, Thomas Hornsby

1765 ◽  
Vol 55 ◽  
pp. 326-344 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Royal Society ◽  
The Sun ◽  
The Real ◽  
The Earth ◽  
Theory Of Gravity ◽  
The Right ◽  
Made In

The observations of the late transit of Venus, though made with all possible care and accuracy, have not enabled us to determine with certainty the real quantity of the sun's parallax; since, by a comparison of the observations made in several parts of the globe, the sun's parallax is not less than 8" 1/2, nor does it seem to exceed 10". From the labours of those gentlemen, who have attempted to deduce this quantity from the theory of gravity, it should seem that the earth performs its annual revolution round the sun at a greater distance than is generally imagined: since Mr. Professor Stewart has determined the sun's parallax to be only 6', 9, and Mr. Mayer, the late celebrated Professor at Gottingen, who hath brought the lunar tables to a degree of perfection almost unexpected, is of opinion that it cannot exceed 8".

Solar Motion and Lunar Eclipses in Philolaus’ Cosmological System

Apeiron ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 0 (0) ◽  
Author(s):  
Dirk L. Couprie
Keyword(s):  
The Other ◽  
The Sun ◽  
The Moon ◽  
Internal Logic ◽  
Wrong Side ◽  
The Earth ◽  
Solar Motion ◽  
Length Of The Day

Abstract In this paper, three problems that have hardly been noticed or even gone unnoticed in the available literature in the cosmology of Philolaus are addressed. They have to do with the interrelationships of the orbits of the Earth, the Sun, and the Moon around the Central Fire and all three of them constitute potentially insurmountable obstacles within the context of the Philolaic system. The first difficulty is Werner Ekschmitt’s claim that the Philolaic system cannot account for the length of the day (νυχϑήμερον). It is shown that this problem can be solved with the help of the distinction between the synodic day and the sidereal day. The other two problems discussed in this paper are concerned with two hitherto unnoticed deficiencies in the explanation of lunar eclipses in the Philolaic system. The Philolaic system cannot account for long-lasting lunar eclipses and according to the internal logic of the system, during lunar eclipses the Moon enters the shadow of the Earth from the wrong side. It is almost unbelievable that nobody, from the Pythagoreans themselves up to recent authors, has noticed these two serious deficiencies, and especially the latter, in the cosmology of Philolaus the Pythagorean.

Things at the Edge of the World

2019 ◽  
pp. 105-120
Author(s):  
David Wood
Keyword(s):  
Nonhuman Animal ◽  
The Other ◽  
The Sun ◽  
Entire Domain ◽  
The World ◽  
Combined Operation ◽  
The Subject ◽  
The Stranger

This chapter describes things at the edge of the world as sites at which events of reversal and transformation take place. It looks at three examples of reversals: people's experience of the sun; the nonhuman animal; and that of the other human, which is divided into three—the sexual other, the stranger, and the enemy. In each case, a thing that begins as an object of experience becomes the site of an event of reversal and transformation in which not only the subject is implicated in an unexpected way but the world, or a part of it, is poised for restructuration and for the proliferation of new chains of possibility. The chapter then suggests that the entire domain marked by these events of reversal and transformation is generated by the combined operation of three different phenomena. These include (1) the primordial constitution of selfhood, (2) variable modes of identification with that self, and (3) the projection of modes of otherness consistent with one's manner of self-relatedness.

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