PROCEEDINGS 



OF THE 



Delaware County Institute of Science 



Vol. V, Xo. 3 April, 1910 



PHYSICAL CURVES. 



BY C. M. BROOM ALL. 



To the mathematician the word curve means usuall}' a 

 sort of visualization of an analytical relation between certain 

 quantities. In other words, he knows that every equation 

 between two unknown quantities can always be represented 

 by some form of plane curve. If his mind is algebraically 

 inclined he will consider the curve mereh' as an aid to a 

 clearer understanding of the relationship expressed by the 

 equation. If his bent is toward geometry he will probably 

 consider the geometrical curve as the principal thing, and 

 make use of analysis to determine the properties of the curve, 

 as for instance, its taiigents, normals, curvatures, maxima, 

 minima, etc. 



With one or the other of these views of the subject the 

 mathematician is usually satisfied, and the matter might rest 

 here were it not for a worker in another branch of science. 

 The student of physics in the examination of various natural 

 phenomena finds much use for the mathematical conceptions 

 of his co-laborer. He finds that many of these more or less 

 imaginary conceptions of the mathematician have a real 

 existence in the world of physical facts. He finds that there 

 is a broad overlapping boundary between the two branches of 

 science where each aids the other. In this connection it is 

 hoped that a cursory glance over this common field may not 

 be devoid of interest. 



NEW YO 



