1875] ^^-J [Chase. 



mainder being opposed by the reaction of molecular elasticity. Maxwell* 

 has suggested a crucial experiment of a similar character to the one I 

 then sought. The velocity of his electrified disc bears nearly the same 

 ratio to Earth's orbital velocity, as the diminution of terrestrial attrac- 

 tion by equatorial centrifugal force (or actual energy of superficial 

 gravity) bears to the total attraction. The magnetic disturbance of the 

 disc : Earth's horizontal magnetic force : : the molecular vis viva f of 

 equatorial rotation : the molecular vis mva of orbital revolution. 



The molecular oscillation, in alternate approach to and recess from the 

 orbital centre, continues for a half-rotation or a half-revolution, while 



the terrestrial antagonism lasts only-^as long. If we distinguish the 



t 

 terrestrial from the solar units by subscript accents, Z^ ==: Z ; t/ = — ? 



and, if magnetism and gravitation are tidally related, Maxwell's data:}: 

 may be represented by the following proportionate tensions : 



??^/2 Z/ t,-^ : mHH-^ : : m^V* : m^ : : .128 : 140 X 144 X ^000 : : 1 : 

 1102500000. Then to/ : to^ : : 1 : 11025000007rS and m = 327710 m,. 



a/ 109 



This gives a solar parallax of VTToo^ =^ 8". 83, which is i of one per 

 cent, less than Cornu's parallax. 



PLANETARY ILLUSTRATIONS OF THE CREATIVE FIAT. 

 By Pliny Earle Chase. 



(Bead before the Afnerican PMlosopldcal Society, Aug. 20, 1875.) 



In various communications to the American Philosophical Society and 

 to the American Association, I have shown that — 



1. The same principles of inertia which cause the Foucault pendulum to 

 record the Earth's rotation, also register the Sun^s influence, in sound 

 waves, barometric waves, magnetic variations, mean temperatures, nas- 

 cent velocities both chemical and cosmical, solar and planetary masses 

 and moments, and stellar and planetary harmonies of relative position, 

 rotation, and I'evolution. 



2. Various independent inertia-estimates of solar distance may be thus 

 obtained, differing from Cornu's final estimate in amounts varying be- 

 tween :j% of one per cent, and ^'^^ of one per cent. 



3. All the physical activities which I have tested, seem explicable by 

 setherial waves, propagated with the velocity of light. 



4. Between a Centauri and the Sun a parabola can be traced, governed 

 by the solar modulus of light, and determining planetai-y positions.. 



* Op. Cit., ii, 370. 



t The influence of molecular vis viva was shown in my discussion of barometric tides, 

 (ante, ix, 287). Imray also recognizes its importance in elevating the centre of the 

 molecule, in wave movement, above the normal level, (Proc. Roy. Soc, No. 153, pp. 

 352-3). 



t lb., ii, 258. 



