324 
The Form of the Earth. 
[June, 
between o and G, as would be the case if the surface of the 
Earth had contracted. The value of this faCt cannot be 
over-rated. To the reasoning and geometrical mind it is 
convincing, but on schemers and visionary theorists it 
produces no more effeCt than does the geometrical evidence 
relative to the Moon on those persons who assert that the 
Earth is a flat surface. 
Then we have another theory based on the first-named 
theory, viz., that when the Earth was in a fluid state it 
rotated on its axis ; and because an air ball when rotated 
rapidly assumes a spheroidal form, therefore the Earth is 
spheroidal. Now the Moon is certainly solid on its surface, 
but rotates once only during about twenty-seven days. It is 
a mere guess, then, that the Earth rotated rapidly when it 
was assumed to be in a fluid state. But there is another 
doubtful question connected with this theory, viz . — If an 
air ball rotate once during twenty-four hours, this rotation 
would not cause the air ball to assume the form of a 
spheroid ; it is only when it is given some hundred or more 
rotations in a minute that it does assume such a form. If, 
now, an air ball were 6 inches, 6 yards, 6 miles, or 6oo miles 
in radius, would a single rotation during twenty-four hours 
cause this ball to assume a spheroidal form ? To spin a 
ball rapidly, and then to assert that, because this ball 
assumes a spheroidal form, therefore the Earth is spheroidal, 
is a false and unsound conclusion, although it is one very 
readily accepted by the superficial reasoner. 
But, it maybe stated, accurate measurements have proved 
that a degree of a meridian near the Equator is shorter than 
a degree of the same meridian near the Poles. The pro- 
ceedings connected with these measurements offer an 
excellent example of that vicious method of cooking faCts 
to suit theories, or the dogmatic opinions of authorities, 
which cannot be too strongly condemned. 
