Mechanism of the Heavens

by Somerville, Mary; Marquis de Laplace, Pierre Simon

• ISBN13: 9781108001571
• ISBN10: 1108001572
• Edition: 1st
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2009-07-20
• Publisher: Cambridge Univ Pr

Summary

Published in 1831, this work forms part of a collection of introductory volumes suggested by Henry, Lord Brougham and Vaux, the Lord Chancellor, for the Society of the Diffusion of Useful Knowledge. Due to the exceptional mathematical ability of its author, however, it outgrew its original plan and has since been seen as a rather more ambitious project. Praised by Somerville's contemporary Sir John Herschel for its presentation of general astronomical theories and the mechanical principles employed in their derivation, the work was a tour de force of scientific and technical exposition. It is especially remarkable both for its author's firm grasp of the subject, especially given her lack of formal mathematical training, and for its clear outline of Newtonian philosophy for a popular audience.

Table of Contents

Preliminary dissertation

Introduction

Definitions, axioms, etc.

Variable motion

Equilibrium of a system of bodies

Motion of a system of bodies

The motion of a solid body of any form whatever

On the equilibrium of fluids

Motion of fluids

Progress of astronomy

On the law of universal gravitation

On the differential equations of the motion of a system of bodies

On the elliptical motion of the planets

Theory of the perturbation of the planets

Secular inequalities of the elements of the orbits

Periodic variations in the elements of the planetary orbits

Perturbations of the planets

Second method of finding the perturbations of a planet

The theory of Jupiter and Saturn

Inequalities occasioned by the ellipticity of the sun

Perturbations in the motions of the planets occasioned by the action of their satellites

Data for computing the celestial motions

Numerical values of the perturbation of Jupiter

Lunar theory

Numerical values of the coefficients

Inequalities from the form of the earth

Inequalities from the action of the planets

Effects of the secular variation in the plane of the ecliptic

Effects of an ethereal medium on the motions of the moon

Theory of Jupiter's satellites

First approximation

Second approximation

Inequalities of the eccentricities

Inequalities of the disturbing force

Theory of Jupiter's satellites (continued)

Perturbation of the satellites in latitude

Numerical versions of the perturbations

Eclipses of Jupiter's satellites

Index

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