Astronomy and General Physics Considered with Reference to Natural TheologyWhewell, William
Religion
Astronomy and General Physics Considered with Reference to Natural Theology
Whewell, William
Astronomy; Cosmic physics; Natural theology
The result of all that can be said on the subject appears to be
this: that no one can demonstrate the possibility of deducing
gravity from the acknowledged fundamental properties of matter: and
that no philosopher asserts, that matter has been found to exist,
which was destitute of gravity. It is a property which we have no
right to call _necessary_ to matter, but every reason to suppose
_universal_.
If we could show gravity to be a necessary consequence of those
properties which we adopt as essential to our notion of matter,
(extension, solidity, mobility, inertia) we might then call it also
one of the essential properties. But no one probably will assert
that this is the case. Its universality is a fact of observation
merely. How then can a property,--in its existence so needful for
the support of the universe, in its laws so well adapted to the
purposes of creation,--how came it to be thus universal? Its being
found every where is necessary for its uses; but this is so far
from being a sufficient explanation of its existence, that it is
an additional fact to be explained. We have here, then, an agency
most simple in its rule, most comprehensive in its influence, most
effectual and admirable in its operation. What evidence could be
afforded of design, by laws of mechanical action, which this law
thus existing and thus operating does not afford us?
5. It is not necessary for our purpose to consider the theories
which have been proposed to account for the action of gravity. They
have proceeded on the plan of reducing this action to the result of
pressure or impulse. Even if such theories could be established,
they could not much, or at all, affect our argument; for the
arrangements by which pressure or impact could produce the effects
which gravity produces, must be at least as clearly results of
contrivance, as gravity itself can be.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account