1 8 CONSERVATION OF FORCE BY MOMENTUM. 



The surface velocity of the rotation of the sun 

 is about i# miles per second. 



The name of " planet " is borrowed from the 

 Latin word PLANO, / wander. The planets are 

 systematic wanderers, continually circling about 

 a common centre in harmonious order, and with 

 velocities diminished in proportion to their in- 

 creased distances therefrom. 



The greatest comparative quantity of matter 

 employed in the construction of a steam-engine 

 is embodied in the ponderous balance-wheel; in 

 the momentum of which the impulses imparted 

 are retained, to be uniformly transmitted. For 

 the same reason a great quantity of matter is 

 embodied in the revolving orbs of the planets, to 

 receive and continuously transmit the impulses 

 primarily imparted to them as the source of the 

 natural motive-power, transferred continually by 

 the medium of a universal ether; which serves as 

 a substitute for connecting bands and shaftings 

 in the mechanism of the solar system. 



POPULAR IDEAS OF THE REVOLVING MOVEMENTS 

 OF THE PLANETS. 



The supposition generally prevails that the 

 only design of the rotation of the earth is to 

 cause the day and night to succeed each other, 

 for affording timely rest for animal refreshment; 

 and that the yearly orbital revolutions are de- 

 signed only to bring about changes of the sea- 

 sons, with seedtime and harvest. 



