A HISTORY OF SCIENCE 



without simultaneous movement in all other parts, 

 there are constant more or less circular movements, 

 vortices, or whirlpools of particles, varying, of course, 

 in size and velocity. As a result of this circular move- 

 ment the particles of matter tend to become globular 

 from contact with one another. Two species of matter 

 are thus formed, one larger and globular, which con- 

 tinue their circular motion with a constant tendency 

 to fly from the centre of the axis of rotation, the other 

 composed of the clippings resulting from the grinding 

 process. These smaller ''filings" from the main bod- 

 ies, becoming smaller and smaller, gradually lose their 

 velocity and accumulate in the centre of the vortex. 

 This collection of the smaller matter in the centre of 

 the vortex constitutes the sun or star, while the spher- 

 ical particles propelled in straight lines from the cen- 

 tre towards the circumference of the vortex produce the 

 phenomenon of light radiating from the central star. 

 Thus this matter becomes the atmosphere revolving 

 around the accumulation at the centre. But the small 

 particles being constantly worn away from the revolv- 

 ing spherical particles in the vortex, become entangled 

 in their passage, and when they reach the edge of the 

 inner strata of solar dust they settle upon it and form 

 what we call sun-spots. These are constantly dis- 

 solved and reformed, until sometimes they form a 

 crust round the central nucleus. 



As the expansive force of the star diminishes in the 

 course of time, it is encroached upon by neighboring 

 vortices. If the part of the encroaching star be of a 

 less velocity than the star which it has swept up, it will 

 presently lose its hold, and the smaller star pass out of 



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