* 4 



284 Besearches in the Theory and Calculus of Operations. 



If the sphere commence a rotation about a fixed axis, a 

 pressure arises throughout the entire circumference of each 

 parallel, and acts in the direction opposed to the rotation. 

 Kegarding the sphere as composed of a series of strata or 

 shells each of small or molecular thickness, the 'exterior 

 arc of any portion of a molecular parallel is greater than 

 its interior arc, the centrifugal force is greater on the former 

 than on the latter arc, and therefore each portion of the 

 molecular shell is impressed with a tendency to rotate upon 

 its axis in a direction the same as that of the rotation of 

 the sphere, which tendency is properly a circulation of ten- 

 sion or pressure around the centre of each forming atom 

 (figure 5). Otherwise showing, when rotation commences 

 about a fixed axis of a sphere, the nascent atoms on each 

 parallel circle will be suddenly precipitated against each 

 other, inducing a pulsation from atom to atom throughout 

 each circle, from each atom around again to the same : con- 

 sequently this new state of circulating tension is perpetuated 

 of itself, if uninterfered with. Since the normal to the point 

 of contact of two contiguous atoms on a circle does not pass 

 through their centres, the concussion inflicted by the in- 

 cipient rotation of the sphere gives rise to the rotation of 

 each atomic force around its» own centre (properly a rota- 

 tion of tension or pressure around the centre of each atom).* 

 When the globe of the earth first commenced rotation 

 eastward around its axis, all its atoms received the shock 

 which determined their revolutive and rotative pressures 

 in westward direction; that is, looking south, from the left- 

 hand, upwards over to the righthand, a dextral revolution 



*Note in speaking of a fixed axis, an inaccuracy of language is committed, 

 analogous to the rhetorical figure termed hysteron proteron, or putting the 

 last first. The fixed axis has no other existence than as a consequence de- 

 termined by the rotation. So in the case of the so-named atoms : there are 

 no primitive atoms of fixed magnitude and centres ; but they owe their ex- 

 istence, magnitude, and permanence or variability, purely to the operation 

 of external forces upon the substance in which they are developed under the 

 principle of action and reaction. 



