Temperature of the Terrestrial Globe. 9 
of temperature from the equator to the poles would be incomparably 
more rapid and extended. 
In this hypothesis of the absolute cold of space, if it is possible to 
conceive of it, all the effects of heat which we observe at the surface 
of the earth, should be attributed to the presence of the sun. The 
least variations in the distance of that body from the earth, would 
occasion very considerable changes of temperature. The interrup- 
tion of day and night, would produce effects sudden and totally dif- 
ferent from what we observe. 
The surfaces of bodies, would be exposed all at once, at the com- 
mencement of night, to a cold of infinite intensity. Animals and 
vegetables could not resist the sudden and powerful change whicii— 
would be produced at the rising of the sun. 
The primitive heat preserved in the interior of the earth could 
not increase the external temperature of space, and would prevent 
none of the effects which we have just described ; for we know with 
certainty, by theory and observation, that the effect of this central 
heat has long since become insensible at the surface, although it 
may be very great at a moderate depth. We conclude from these 
observations, and chiefly from the mathematical examination of the 
subject, that there exists a physical cause always present which 
modifies the temperature at the surface of the earth, and gives this 
planet a fundamental heat, which is both independent of the action 
of the sun and that internal heat preserved in its own center. This 
fixed temperature, which the earth receives from space, differs but 
little from that which is measured at the poles. It is necessarily 
less than that of the coldest regions; but in this comparison we 
ought to admit only accurate observations, and should not consider 
the accidental effects of a very intense cold which may be caused 
by evaporation, by violent winds, and extraordinary dilatation of air. 
After ascertaining the existence of this fundamental temperature 
of space, without which the effects of heat observed upon the surface 
of our globe could not be explained, we proceed to remark, that the 
origin of this phenomenon, thus to call it, is evident. It is to be 
attributed to the radiation from all the bodies in the universe, whose 
light and heat can reach us; the stars visible to the naked eye, the 
innumerable multitude of telescopic stars or opaque bodies, which 
fill the universe, the atmospheres which surround these immense 
bodies, the rare matter disseminated through every part of space, 
concur in forming rays which penetrate every part of the planetary 
Vout. XXXII.—No. |. 2 
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