Cosmos: A Sketch of the Physical Description of the Universe, Vol. 1Humboldt, Alexander von
History
Cosmos: A Sketch of the Physical Description of the Universe, Vol. 1
Humboldt, Alexander von
Astronomy; Cosmography; Physical geography; Science -- History
Introduction -- p. 79-83. A descriptive delineation of the world embraces
the whole universe ([Greek words]) in the celestial and terrestrial spheres.
Form and course of the representation. It begins with the laws of
gravitation, and with the region of the remotest nebulous spots and double
stars, and then, gradually descending through the starry stratum to which
our solar system belongs, it contemplates this terrestrial spheroid,
surrounded by air and water, and finally, proceeds to the consideration of
the form of our planet, its temperature and magnetic tension, and the
fullness of organic vitality which is unfolded on its surface under the
action of light. Partial insight into the relative dependence existing
among all phenomena. Amid all the mobile and unstable elements in space,
'mean numerical values' are the ultimate aim of investigation, being the
expression of the physical laws, or forces of the Cosmos. The delineation
of the universe does not begin with the earth, from which a merely
subjective point of view might have led us to start, but rather with the
objects comprised in the regions of space. Distribution of matter, which is
partially conglomerated into rotating
p 17
and circling heavenly bodies of very different density and magnitude, and
partly scattered as self-luminous vapor. Review of the separate portions of
the picture of nature, for the purpose of explaining the reciprocal
connection of all phenomena.
I. Celestial Portion of the Cosmos . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page
83-154
II. Terrestrial Portion of the Cosmos . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p.
154-359
a. Form of the earth, its mean density, quantity of heat, electro-magnetic
activity, process of light -- p. 154-202.
b. Vital activity of the earth toward its external surface. Reaction of
the interior of a planet on its crust and surface. Subterranean noise
without waves of concussion. Earthquakes dynamic phenomena -- p. 202-217.
c. Material products which frequently accompany earthquakes. Gaseous and
aqueous springs. Salses and mud volcanoes. Upheavals of the soil by
elastic forces -- p. 217-228.
d. Fire-emitting mountains. Craters of elevation. Distribution of
volcanoes on the earth -- p. 228-247.
e. Volcanic forces form new kinds of rock, and metamorphose those already
existing. Geognostical classification of rocks into four groups. Phenomena
of contact. Fossiliferous strata; their vertical arrangement. The faunas
and floras of an earlier world. Distribution of masses of rock -- p.
247-384.
f. Geognostical epochs, which are indicated by the mineralogical difference
of rocks, have determined the distribution of solids and fluids into
continents and seas. Individual configuration of solids into horizontal
expansion and vertical elevation. Relations of area. Articulation.
Probability of the continued elevation of the earth's crust in ridges -- p.
284-301.
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