Nebular Theory. — Mistockles. 237 
surijrising result : 'J1io nebula outweighed the whole solar 
system ten million times ! 
We are, indeed, forced to admit that such a nebula could 
not possibly have existed, and that the solar system must have 
had a different orij^in tlian that accepted by the theory under 
consideration. 
§5. If we should assume the existence of such a misty 
body, rotating rapidly and possessing immense centrifugal 
force, it becomes a matter of importance to pay particular at- 
tention to the peculiar circumstance, that the centrifugal force 
separated the equatorial belt of the rotating sphere in the form 
of colossal rings. 
A\'e have already noticed, that the theorists claim as a rea- 
son and law for this peculiarity, that the nebula rotated by 
virtue of the contraction of its matter and that it threw off 
rings whenever the centrifugal force exceeded the centripetal, 
or the force tending tow-ards the center. Contraction or the 
dowaiward pressure, is, as we all know, occasioned by the force 
of gravity. Xow, wdien a centrifugal force is assumed, which 
overcomes the centripetal or — which amounts to the same thing 
— the force of gravity, then the question arises : By what 
means did the nebula rotate during the periods wdien that force 
was overcome or neutralized, which according to the first as- 
sumption was the cause of the rotation and the origin and 
support of the centrifugal force? 
Here is torn down with one hand what is built up with 
the other. If it is claimed, that the centripetal force or the 
consequences thereof, causes the rotation, then it is thereby 
denied that the resulting centrifugal force can neutralize the 
centripetal ; for then it would also neutralize the rotation and 
the centrifugal force itself. If, on the other hand, it is 
claimed that the centrifugal force can neutralize the centri- 
petal, then the same assertion overthrows the theory about 
the origin of the centrifugal force. 
When we thus find that the lu-pothesis offered as an ex- 
planation of the rotation overthrows the hypothesis advanced 
as an explanation of the formation of the rings, aiid. like- 
wise, the Liter to overthrow the former, then it is also evi- 
dent, that the theory, depending upon the harmony between 
