G. Hinrichs on Planetology. 57 
one single act. How much such a theory would tend to elevate 
our conceptions of the great Author, we cannot here develo 
n the present paper I shall not go farther back in time than 
tthe existence of the nebula of Kant and Laplace as above 
§ 7. Plateau’s experiment. 
Before entering upon the analysis of the nebula, we must refer 
to the experimental evidence of the nebular theory afforded by 
the beautiful experiments of Plateau, detailed in his Mémoire 
sur se _phénoménes que présente une masse liquide libre et soustraite 
a l'action de la pésanteur, Pt. I(Neuv. mém. de ]’Acad. de Brux- 
elles, vol. xvi, 1843). His results are: 
ae 4 liquid, subject only to the action of its molecular forces 
assumes the form of a perfect sphere (§ 2). 
2. This globe is flattened at its poles, if subject to rotation 
($10). Although, as he thinks, the molecular forces are not 
wentical with those acting in the nebula, still the results ought 
to be analogous, if they are not identical. 
° It is perhaps not out of place here to give a synopsis of the different prapeo 
ages tbe are a 8 by a further individualization or a new direct 
according to the views above indicated. 
Thee (or four) direct acts of the Deity may be recognized, viz: the creation of 
er, of life, of mind (and the redemption). 'The formation of the elements out of 
penis characterizes the Jirst age; the formation of the solar world, with its plan- 
gating mind. u 
the sixth, redemption took place; while a seventh age will hold the destruction of 
xxvii, 56. 
every age correspond two sciences: the first relates to the pebrahcagiaae 
Whewell would call . a hibseiests! of the pain the second fies 0 the 
Ea eae at SR Se. 4 (6) (7) 
L Creati Matrer. II. Cre-11L. nS 
Peveioy asi ation of| ation of — 
Elements. Solar system.| Earth. || Life. | Mind. Destruc- 
tion 
Paletin} iat pe Paleon-| Arche-| Old of the 
At 1 pl 
By ey SY|\ tology.| ology. |Testament) world. 
Voi erect 
~ *| FLIStory. 
Geog- || Botan New 
raphy. Zoology| — “"|Testament 
Chemistry. 
Science, | Physics, Astronomy. 
a, 
names have of course to tec ae in their widest sense; thus geography 
for phoyaiont geography, m ology. ete., and history com mprehends not only 
Pata but also the a hat biaby of the human ay thus including — 
ail the sciences in their historical development. We see how “planetology” is 
allied to geology a and astronomy. 
Ax. Joug. Sc1.—Szconp Serres, Vou. XXXIX, No. 115.—Jan., 1865. 
8 
