Excerpt from Lecture-Notes on Physics
I. Definitions and Introduction to the Inductive Method.
Physical science is the knowledge of the laws (c) of the phenomena (b)of matter (a).
(a.) Matter is that which affects the senses. It always presents the three dimensions, or, in other words, occupies space.
It exists throughout all known space as a highly elastic and rare medium called ether (proof of this given in optics), and in this medium circulate dense bodies of spheroid forms, separated from each other by distances which are immense when compared with the size of these bodies; such are the planets and asteroids of celestial space, and the earth on which we live.
Shooting-stars or Aerolites are celestial bodies of smaller size, which at certain periods (November 13th and August 10th) cross the orbit of the earth.
Comets are highly rarified nebulous bodies of various and changing forms, circulating in orbits which are so eccentric, that they are not visible to us in their remote situations; while at other times they are much nearer to the sun than any of the planets. The comet of 1680, when nearest to the sun, was only one-sixth of the suns diameter from his surface.
The motion of comets retarded by the resistance of the ether?
The above is a statement of all known matter, and physical science is that branch of knowledge which considers all the various phenomena which this matter presents.
From the investigations of chemists on terrestrial matter, and from the spectroscopic examination of celestial bodies, all matter can be resolved into (at present) sixty-three elements.
According to the atomic theory see (V.) all matter consists of exceedingly minute, absolutely hard and unchangeable atoms, separated from each other by distances which are very when compared with the dimensions of these atoms.
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