Excerpt from The Planetary System: A Study of Its Structure and Growth
Sir Isaac Newton solved the problem of the Moon's stability (the problem of three bodies) by what may be called the method of difference of attraction, and his solution of it by this method stands to-day as the only, and therefore as the accepted, solution. So little change has there been in theoretical astronomy since Newton's time that the current analysis of this problem is still in all essentials identical with his. If we glance back over the history of theoretical astronomy we find that this science seems to have come to a standstill with Newton. Although he was its illustrious founder, yet, excepting the magnificent results which he himself gave it, its progress has been slight.
Theoretical astronomy is securely founded upon Newton's laws of motion and his law of gravitation. This foundation has never been shaken and, so far as present knowledge enables us to see, it will never be; for it rests upon laws which seem to be universal and eternal. Newton's solution of the problem of two bodies partakes of the same high character as his laws: it appears to be complete and perfect.
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