Copy 1, Volume 1

The dynamical theory of the formation of the earth / By Archibald Tucker Ritchie.

  • Ritchie, Archibald Tucker
Date:
1850
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Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: The dynamical theory of the formation of the earth / By Archibald Tucker Ritchie. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    between the prolonged operations of the non-rotatory period, and the sudden completion of the work of creation during the Mosaic week. The relative qualities of Light—its cuasi-ubiquity, expansion through visible space, velocity of propagation, and vividity. Heat the cause of expansion in material bodies. The source of external Light and Heat received by the Earth. Identity of these two subtile influences. Sun-light the direct cause of Heat. Attraction and Ex- pansion the antagonistic forces which maintain all matter in its con- stitutional state of equilibrium. Deduction from these facts, that Darkness, in the language of Genesis, means Attraction. Philolo- gical and scientific analogies in favour of the same conclusion . 461 CHAPTER XIV. Explanation as to the possibility of the Earth and other planets, with their respective satellites having, in accordance with astronomical laws, revolved in space around the common centre of the system, long previous to the illumination of the sun. Further proofs that Dark- ness, in the language of Genesis, implies Attraction. Consequence of this fact upon the development of our Theory. Existence of the primeval Light before it was divided from the Darkness, and the im- portant bearing of this truth on the subject under discussion. A few concluding observations on the subjects treated of in this chapter . 488 CHAPTER XV. Some of the immediate effects of the Light with reference to its dynami- cal power. During the first three days it was not concentrated around the Sun, consequently different from the light at present received. The expansive influence of Light and Heat act in oppo- sition to Attraction. The repulsive power of Light investigated and established. The introduction of Light into the material universe equal to the introduction of a new force. Laws of force and motion investigated with reference to this event. Expansion being a force, and the bodies of the solar system being incapable of expanding beyond their prescribed orbits, they must have expended or met this new force by rotation around their respective axis—show that the Earth has a double movement in space, and that the diurnal rotation is perfectly independent of the periodical revolution around the Sun. Scriptural corroborations of these important conclusions. Sunlight the residue of the primary light. Evidences to prove the enormous amount of Heat and Light which come from the Se and the appli- cation of this to our general argument. ‘ ‘ iy O0T CHAPTER XVI. Geological Phenomena in proof of the Earth’s period of Non-rotation, divided into external and internal evidences, the former consisting of abstract mechanical laws applied to geological manifestations. Cen- trifugal impetus, engendered by rotation, the admitted cause of the equatorial protuberance of the Earth, and of the oblate form of other planets of our system. Geographical data in corroboration of the former assumption. Jnternal or geological evidences to the same effect. Origin of Continental Ridges and of Oceanic Hollows. Mechanical-dynamic Laws brought forward to account for the ele- vation of the horizontal concentric strata of the non-rotating sphere. Their change of position, and the vast extension of surface occa- sioned by the spherical earth having been suddenly transformed into a spheroid of rotation . ; : : - : ; ; Said bo N
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