Natural phylosophy

Abstract

Preface. tmefirstpmlqf.this vohune,çousistingroftlrethaíliematic|i éléments of natural philosophy, is in part reprinted from thé syllabus ofthe lectures, but considerable additions baye , been made to it, both of elementary matter and of original inyestigatrons. these elements' are perfectly independent of every other work introductory to any branch of the mathematics, and they comprehend,all the propositions which are required for forming a complete scries of demonstrations, leading to every case of importance that occurs in natural philosophy, with the exception of some of the more intricate calculations ,of astronomy. it was therefore absolutely necessary that they should be expressed in the most concise manner that was possible ; yet except afew propositions which have been cursorily introduced in some of the scholia, no essential step of a demonstration has ever been omitted. the best use, that a student could make of these elements, would be to read over each theorem or problem superficially, then tq endeavour to form for himself a more particular demonstration, and to compare this again with that which is here given: for the exertion of a certain degree of invention is by far the surest mode of fixing any principle of seience in the mind