a8. New Outlines of Chemical Philosophy. 
point over which it commenced its motion, in consequence of the 
velocity of rotation being greater at the top than at the bottom 
of the tower. The celebrated Laplace is said to have investi- 
gated this effect of the rotary motion of the earth, in the “ Bud- 
letin des Sciences,’ No. 75. 
The Newtonian theory, on which the whole of physical astro- 
nomy is founded, asserts nothing more of gravitation, than that 
the result answers to the supposition, in every case, as far as ob- 
servation reaches. Gravitation is not an occult quality, but a 
manifest property of matter, its truth appearing from the phe- 
nomena. And among these the attraction of mountains is a 
most direct and decisive proof that every particle of matter is 
endued with the power of attraction. 
The effect of the mountain Chimborago in Peru, on the plumb- 
line of the French philosophers ; the experiments on the moun- 
tain Schehallien, by Dr. Maskelyne; the experiments at Mar- 
seilles, by Baron de Zach; and the interesting experiments of 
Mr. Cavendish*, are each of them an experimental proof that 
matter gravitates; and together form so complete and so con- 
sistent a body of experimental evidence, that, were the evidence, 
derived from theory less perfect than it is, this would establish 
the truth of Newton’s theory. . 
In a paper which indirectly accuses Newton of superstition, 
—which, in the idea of its author, will render it necessary to ‘ re- 
model”’ his ‘* Principia,” and which professes to develop princi- 
ples which will overturn the whole system of modern philosophy,— 
we certainly should expect to find something to correspond with 
these lofty pretensions, or at least something so plausible that 
we might admire even while we were obliged to condemn: but 
even in this its author has failed; he only shows that he is as 
imperfectly acquainted with his subject as he is with the subor- 
dinate sciences; that he knows little of the authors he pretends 
to refute, and still less of the system they have supported. 
London, July 7, 1817. T. TREDGOLD. 
IV, New Outlines of Chemical Philosophy. By Ezexiex 
Waker, Esq. of Lynn, Norfolk. 
[Continued from vol. xlix. p. 354.] 
Tue geometrician always defines the terms that he intends to 
use, before he begins to demonstrate a proposition ; and the same 
rule ought to be observed in all physical investigations; for, if the 
meanings of the terms made use of be not understood, the in-_ 
vestigations must be doubtful. 
* Phil. Trans, 1798. ests 
According 
