A System of Natural Philosophy: In which the Principles of Mechanics, Hydrostatics, Hydraulics, Pneumatics, Accoustics, Optics, Astronomy, Electricity and Magnetism, are Familiarly Explained, and Illustrated by More Than Two Hundred Engravings. To which are Added Questions for the Examination of the Pupils. Designed for the Use of Schools and Academies |
Common terms and phrases
air pump angle appear atmosphere attraction axis axle ball barometer barrel boat bulk called centre of gravity centrifugal force circle clock colors concave mirror consequence convergent convex lens convex mirror degrees diameter direction distance earth eclipse elastic electric equal equator exactly Explain fig falling body feet filled fluid fulcrum glass heat hence hydrometer illustrated inches inclined plane increased instrument kind of lever length lens less machine magnetic mercury metals miles moon motion move object obliquely orbit orifice parallel particles pass pendulum perpendicular pipe piston plane mirror poles pounds pressure principle proportion pulley quantity of matter raised rays of light reflecting telescope refracted respect retina revolution revolve rise rope round screw seen side space specific gravity stars substances sun's Suppose surface suspended thrown tion tube turned upwards valve velocity vessel vibrations visual angle weight wheel
Popular passages
Page ii - In conformity to the act of Congress of the United States, entitled " An Act for the encouragement of learning, by securing the copies of Maps, Charts, and Books, to the Authors and Proprietors of such copies, during the time therein mentioned.
Page 207 - The circumference of every circle is supposed to be divided into 360 equal parts called degrees, and each degree into 60 equal parts called minutes, and each minute into 60 equal parts called seconds, and these into thirds, fourths, &c.
Page 238 - ... by which it is illustrated, that the sun constantly shines on a portion of the earth equal to 90 degrees north, and 90 degrees south from his place in the heavens, and consequently, that he always enlightens 180 degrees, or one half of the earth. If, therefore, the axis of the earth were perpendicular to the plane of its orbit, the days and nights would...
Page 208 - ... situated. Thus, by knowing how many stars belong to the constellation Leo, or the Lion, we readily know what star is meant by that which is situated on the Lion's ear or tnil. 763. The names of the 12 signs of the zodiac are, Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, and Pisces.
Page 287 - By connecting together a sufficient number of these jars, any quantity of the electric fluid may be accumulated. For this purpose all the interior coatings of the jars are made to communicate with each other, by metallic rods passing between them, and finally terminating in a single rod. A similar union is also established, by connecting the external coats with each other. When thus arranged, the whole series may be charged, as if they formed but one jar, and the whole series may be discharged at...
Page 206 - Ecliptic. — The planes of the orbits of all the planets pass through the centre of the sun. The plane of an orbit is an imaginary surface, passing from one extremity or side of the orbit, to the other. If the rim of a drum head be considered the orbit, its plane would be the parchment extended across it, on which the drum is beaten.
Page ii - Wilson, of the said district, hath deposited in this office the title of a book, the right whereof he claims as author and proprietor, in the words following...
Page 130 - ... completed, when a more awful hurricane burst upon them than the most experienced had ever braved. Nothing could withstand it; the sails already furled and closely bound to the yards, were riven away in tatters; even the bare yards and masts were in great part disabled; and at one time the whole rigging had nearly fallen by the board.
Page 141 - After a pause this fairy harp may be heard beginning with a low and solemn note, like the bass of distant music in the sky : the sound then swells as if approaching, and other tones break forth, mingling with the first, and with each other...
Page 148 - This is illustrated in the above examples, the water being a more dense medium than air. The refraction takes place at the surface of the medium, and the ray is refracted in its passage out of the refracting substance as well as into it.