Temperature of the Terrestrial Globe, 9 



of temperature from the equator to the poles would be incomparably 

 more rapid and extended. 



In this hypothesis of the absolute cold of space, if it is possible to 

 conceive of it, all the effects of heat which we observe at the surface 

 of the earth, should be attributed to the presence of the sun. The 

 least variations in the distance of that body from the earth, would 

 occasion very considerable changes of temperature. The interrup- 

 tion of day and night, would produce effects sudden and totally dif- 

 ferent from what we observe. 



The surfaces of bodies, would be exposed all at once, at the com- 

 mencement of night, to a cold of infinite intensity. Animals and 

 vegetables could not resist the sudden and powerful change which 

 would be produced at the rising of the sun. 



The primitive heat preserved in the interior of the earth could 

 not increase the external temperature of space, and would prevent 

 none of the effects which we have just described ; for we know with 

 certainty, by theory and observation, that the effect of this central 

 heat has long since become insensible at the surface, although it 

 may be very great at a moderate depth. We conclude from these 

 observations, and chiefly from the mathematical examination of the 

 subject, that there exists a physical cause always present which 

 modifies the temperature at the surface of the earth, and gives this 

 planet a fundamental heat, which is both independent of the action 

 of the sun and that internal heat preserved in its own center. This 

 fixed temperature, which the earth receives from space, differs but 

 little from that which is measured at the poles. It is necessarily 

 less than that of the coldest regions ; but in this comparison we 

 ought to admit only accurate observations, and should not consider 

 the accidental effects of a very intense cold which may be caused 

 by evaporation, by violent winds, and extraordinary dilatation of air. 



After ascertaining the existence of this fundamental temperature 

 of space, without which the effects of heat observed upon the surface 

 of our globe could not be explained, we proceed to remark, that the 

 origin of this phenomenon, thus to call it, is evident. It is to be 

 attributed to the radiation from all the bodies in the universe, whose 

 light and heat can reach us ; the stars visible to the naked eye, the 

 innumerable multitude of telescopic stars or opaque bodies, which 

 fill the universe, the atmospheres which surround these immense 

 bodies, the rare matter disseminated through every part of space, 

 concur in forming rays which penetrate every part of the planetary 



Vol. XXXIL— No. 1. 2 



