the Phcenomena of the Umverse. 287 



be revolved by the same mundane force in the same circle as a 

 cubic foot of cork, and that if placed together (nearly as in 

 water) one must ascend towiirds its circle of accorda7it velocity, 

 and the other descend. But here Feritatis is under a iniscaive, 

 for it ought to be accordant density, as the velocities of rotation 

 when the bodies were first projected, or submitted to the action. 

 of the medium, are supposed to be equal. And agreeable to the 

 difference of their respective densities, resistance would be ge- 

 nerated, till they ascended or descended in the medium, to circles 

 of accordant density. 



Thirdly. In respect to the velocities of the planets in their 

 orbits increasing from the sun to the confines of the solar system. 



We are told, page 24, " That is to say, a body suddenly 

 ELEVATED from au inferior circle of rotation into one where a 

 more rapid motion exists, or where a motion exists which does 

 not accord with the density of the elevated body, is necessarily 

 repelled from superior strata to inferior strata, till it finds its 

 due level or balance of motion and density." 



Of course the laws, which apply to the earth, apply to the 

 same classes of phsanomena in all planets, resulting from their 

 two-fold motions around their own axis, and around their pri- 

 maries : vide page 27. Moreover, as these phenomena of mo- 

 tion apply to the planets, the law is universal, and applies 

 likewise to the solar system, and also generally, to other systems. 

 My application of Sir Richard's Theory, as it respects the earth, 

 to that of the solar system, may probably be objected to ; but 

 I beg to remark, that in this particular I have followed the steps 

 of the author who at page 2G, has applied Kepler's laiv (in 

 relation to the distances and periodic times of the planets) to the 

 physical cause of the fall of projectiles, or to the centripetal force 

 on tJie eartii's surface, &c. Another absurdity also presents it- 

 self, i. e. The rotatory motion of the earth can have little or no 

 effect in producing gravity in bodies situated at tiie poles : as 

 they have no rotatory motion iu space, but only revolve round 

 their centres once in the space of twenty-four hours, their abso- 

 lute motion is orbicular : consequently the rotatory motion of 

 the earth can have no eifect in producing gravity in bodies so 

 situated ; whereas we know from actual observations, that the 

 diminution of gravity in this case, is infinitely less than what it 

 ought to be by this elei^ant theory. 



My motive, sir, for intruding mv observations on your notice, 

 and that of your readers, was to elicit truth. The inconsistencies 

 and errors contained in Sir Richard's visionary theory render it 

 necessary to its investigation. Should Philo- Feritatis, or anv 

 other Phillipian, attem])! to vindicate their master's cause, it is 

 solicited that each objection be answered rc.sj)cctively, and not 



evaded 



