COSMOS: A Sketch of the Physical Description of the Universe, Vol. 1 | Page 9

79-359
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.
g. Liquid and aeriform envelopes of the solid surface of our planet. Distribution of heat in
both. The sea. The tides. Currents and their effects -- p. 301-311.
h. The atmosphere. Its chemical composition. Fluctuations in its density. Law of the
direction of the winds. Mean temperature. Enumeration of the causes which tend to raise
and lower the temperature. Continental and insular climates. East and west coasts. Cause
of the curvature of the isothermal lines. Limits of perpetual snow. Quantity of vapor.
Electricity in the atmosphere. Forms of the clouds -- p. 311-339.
i. Separation of inorganic terrestrial life from the geography of vital organisms; the
geography of vegetables and animals. Physical gradations of the human race -- p.
339-359.
Special Analysis of the Delineation of Nature, including References to the Subjects
treated of in the Notes.
I. Celestial Portion of the Cosmos . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p. 83-154
The universe and all that it comprises -- multiform nebulous spots, planetary vapor, and
nebulous stars. The picturesque charm of a southern sky -- note, p. 85. Conjectures on the
position in space of the world. Our stellar masses. A cosmical island. Gauging stars.
Double stars revolving round a common center. Distance of the star 61 Cygni -- p. 88 and
note. Our solar system more complicated than was conjectured at the close of the last
century. Primary planets with Neptune, Astrea, Hebe, Iris, and Flora, now constitute 16;
secondary planets 18; myriad of comets of which many of the inner ones are inclosed p
18 in the orbits of the planets; a rotating ring (the zodiacal light) and meteoric stones,
probably to be regarded as small cosmical bodies. The telescopic planets, Vesta, Juno,
Ceres, Pallas, Astrea, Hebe, Iris and Flora, with their frequently intersecting, strongly
inclined, and more eccentric orbits, constitute a central group of separation between the
inner planetary group (Mercury, Venus, the Earth, and Mars) and the outer group (Jupiter,