43 



can be roughly determined by the map and the geo- 

 graphical globe. 



We have seen that the diameter of the earth is a 

 little more than 12,000 versts. Let us take precise!} 7 

 12,000 and divide this number by 180 - - i. e. thenumber 

 of degrees of latitude. Each of these degrees is approxi- 

 mately 67 versts. If we consider the mountain ranges 

 stretching from S. E. China to N. W. Spain, i. e. 

 from the 20-th to the 40-th degree of latitude --as the 

 blade of a screw, moving the earth onward, the inclina- 

 tion of this blade, passing over the firm continents of 

 Asia and Europe, equals a 20-th part ot the earth's dia- 

 meter. Keeping in view the fact that this screw is equal 

 to about a third of the circumference of that latitude of 

 the sphere in which it lies, its whole incline along 

 the whole circumference of the globe in the same lati- 

 tude from 20 to 40 northern latitude is expressed 

 in 60 degrees. Multiplying 60 by 67 i. e. the length of 

 each degree of diameter, we get 4020 versts, expressing 

 the quantity of space which would be passed through by 

 our globe, if it encountered neither friction nor resistance 

 from any surrounding medium; and as the whole plane- 

 tary world travels in a direction opposite to the cosmic 

 tide, as is shewn by the cloudspots and comets rolling 

 towards the sun, we must allow half the above 4020 

 versts to account for the friction of this screw in the 

 cosmic atmosphere, and for the resistance offered by 

 the air to the movement of the earth. The daily pro- 

 gress of earth in the general forward movement of the solar 

 system is, therefore, approximately equal to 2000versts daily. 



A more exact calculation can be supplied only by 

 astronomical observations, with which science will un- 

 doubtedly sooner or later be enriched. 



As far as concerns the movement of the sun round its 

 axis, this rotatory motion is very likely caused by the 

 pressure of oxygen-hydrogen reaching the sun from the 

 planets. We saw that the German scientist Meyer 

 reckons the velocity of the cosmic elements falling into 

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