| dc.description.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 | pt_BR |
