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The Pamphlet Collection of Sir Robert Stout: Volume 85

Mechanical Physics

Mechanical Physics.

Forms of Bodies (These will be taught in the Mathematical Department).

First Principles of Phiysies:—Varieties of Attraction, e.g. Gravity, Cohesion, Adhesion, and Capillarity. Contending Forces resulting in the three conditions of matter, solid, liquid and gaseous.

With young beginners it is desirable to train the mind by an acquaintance with some of the most visible and tangible forms of Bodies, before attempting to make it realize the abstract conception of Matter, and understand the abstruse theories which prevail concerning it. These should be reserved for the second Period.

Distinctive Properties of Bodies:—Compactness, porousness; hardness; brittleness, toughness, malleability, ductility, tena- page 42 city; flexibility; elasticity; sonorousness; opacity, translucidity, transparency.—Crystallization.

Comparative Weight:—Specific Gravity of Solids. Comparative Density of Liquids; Hydrometers. Comparative Density of Gases; Balloons.

It is expedient to associate the Specific Gravity of Solids with their distinctive properties, leaving the mode of determining it for the subject of Hydrostatics.

Rest and Motion:—Inertia; Momentum; Centrifugal Force.

Many phenomena pertaining to this subject, such as Constrained Motion, may be deferred for the second Period.

Gravitation:—Increasing velocity of falling bodies. Centre of Gravity;—suspension, support, line of direction. The Pendulum.

The Mechanical Powers:—The Three Levers and the Wheel and Axle; the Pulley; the Inclined Plane; the Wedge; the Screw.

The foregoing to be shown in action, or dynamically, leaving for the second Period to demonstrate them statically. The students will then be more advanced in Mathematics. Moreover in now seeing the action of these Powers experimentally illustrated, they will have it impressed on the memory far better than can be done by any accurate calculations of equilibrium, whilst a clear notion will be established in their minds of the Inverse Ratio of Power and Speed.

Locomotive Appliances:—The Roller; Wheel Carriages.

Hydrostatics and Aerostatics:—Pressure transmitted in all directions.

"Water seeks the lowest level." Water as a motive power; Undershot and Overshot Wheels, Turbines, Rams, &c.

"Water seeks its own level." Water Supply; Fountains.

"Pressure according to depth."

Floating and submerged bodies. Determination of Specific Gravities.

page 43

Atmospheric Pressure:—The Air Pump. The Diving Bell. The Siphon; Intermittent Fountains. Suction and Force Pumps.—The Hydraulic Press.

Barometers. Measurement of Altitudes.

Notions of Meteorology:—Action of the Sun's heat in producing Wind, and of the latter in determining local temperatures; the Anemometer. Moisture; its measurement; its different forms, e.g. Dew, Clouds, Bain, Hail and Snow.

Acoustics:—Production, transmission, and reflection of Sound. Musical Vibrations and their relation to Pitch; their consonance, dissonance and interference.