Chapter II

The moon cannot have even an imaginary rotation on its axis,
but is generally believed to have.
Quotations to prove this 33
Proofs that there can be no rotation. The most confused
assertion that there is rotation shown to be without
foundations 35
A gin horse does not rotate on its axis in its revolution 37
A gin horse, or a substitute, driven instead of being a driver 38
Results of the wooden horse being driven by the mill 38
The same results produced by the revolution of the moon.
Centrifugal force sufficient to drive air and water
away from our side of the moon 39
That force not sufficient to drive them away from
its other side 40
No one seems ever to have thought of centrifugal force in
connection with air and water on the moon 41
Near approach made by Hansen to this notion 41
Far-fetched reasons given for the non-appearance
of air and water 42
The moon must have both on the far-off hemisphere 44
Proofs of this deduced from its appearance at change 44
Where the evidences of this may be seen if looked for
at the right place. The centrifugal force shown to
be insufficient to drive off even air, and less water,
altogether from the moon 45
The moon must have rotated on its axis at one period
of its existence 47
The want of polar compression no proof to the contrary 48
Want of proper study gives rise to extravagant conceptions,
jumping at conclusions, and formation of
"curious theories" 48

CHAPTER III.

Remarks on some of the principal cosmogonies. Ancient notions 49
The Nebular hypothesis of Laplace. Early opinions on it.
Received into favour. Again condemned as erroneous 50
Defects attributed to it as fatal. New cosmogonies advanced 51
Dr. Croll's collision, or impact, theory discussed 53
Dr. Braun's cosmogony examined 59
M. Faye's "Origine du Monde" defined 61
Shown to be without proper foundation, confused, and
in some parts contradictory 65
Reference to other hypotheses not noticed. All more or less
only variations on the nebular hypothesis 70
Necessity for more particular examination into it 71

CHAPTER IV.

Preliminaries to analysis of the Nebular hypothesis 72
Definition of the hypothesis 73
Elements of solar system. Tables of dimensions and masses 75
Explanation of tables and density of Saturn 78
Volume, density and mass of Saturn's rings, general remarks
about them, and satellites to be made from them 79
Future of Saturn's rings 79
Notions about Saturn's satellites and their masses 80
Nature of rings seemingly not well understood 81
Masses given to the satellites of Uranus and Neptune.
Explanations of 81
Volumes of the members of the solar system at density of water 82