PREFACE
Reading edition
An intimate study of natural phenomena and a lengthened experience in physical research have resulted in the formation of certain generalisations and deductions which I now present in this volume. I have reached the conclusion that every physical phenomenon is due to the operation of energy transformations or energy transmissions embodied in material, and takes place under the action or influence of incepting energy fields. In any instance the precise nature of the phenomena is dependent on the peculiar form of energy actively engaged, on the nature of the material to which this energy is applied, and on the nature of the incepting field which influences the process. In the course of the work several concrete cases are discussed, in which these features of energy are illustrated and explained by the use of simple experimental apparatus. It is hoped that, by this means, the distinctive differences which exist in the manifestations of energy, in its transformation, in its transmission, and in its incepting forms will be rendered clear to the reader. I have to express my indebtedness to Mr. James Affleck, B.Sc., for his assistance in the preparation of this work for publication.
JAMES WEIR.
Over Courance, Lockerbie, Scotland.
CONTENTS
PAGE
Introduction 1
PART I
GENERAL STATEMENT
1. Advantages of General View of Natural Operations 7
2. Separate Mass in Space 8
3. Advent of Energy—Distortional Effects 9
4. The Gravitation Field 11
5. Limits of Rotational Energy—Disruptional Phenomena 13
6. Passive Function and General Nature of Gravitation Field 17
7. Limit of Gravitation Transformation 18
8. Interactions of two Planetary Bodies—Equilibrium Phenomena 19
9. Axial Energy—Secondary Processes 22
10. Mechanism of Energy Return 27
11. Review of Cosmical System—General Function of Energy 29
12. Review of Cosmical System— Natural Conditions 31
PART II
PRINCIPLES OF INCEPTION
13. Illustrative Secondary Processes 34
14. Incepting Energy Influences 40
15. Cohesion as an Incepting Influence 45
16. Terrestrial Gravitation as an Incepting Influence 48
17. The Gravitation Field 51
18. The Thermal Field 54
19. The Luminous Field 58
20. Transformations—Upward Movement of a Mass against Gravity 62
21. Transformations— The Simple Pendulum 67
22. Statical Energy Conditions 68
23. Transformations of the Moving Pendulum—Energy of Motion to Energy of Position and Vice Versa 72
24. Transformations of the Moving Pendulum—Frictional Transformation at the Bearing Surfaces 77
25. Stability of Energy Systems 79
26. The Pendulum as a Conservative System 81
27. Some Phenomena of Transmission Processes—Transmission of Heat Energy by Solid Material 84
28. Some Phenomena of Transmission Processes—Transmission by Flexible Band or Cord 89
29. Some Phenomena of Transmission Processes—Transmission of Energy to Air Masses 92
30. Energy Machines and Energy Transmission 95
31. Identification of Forms of Energy 107
32. Complete Secondary Cyclical Operation 114
PART III
TERRESTRIAL CONDITIONS
33. Gaseous Expansion 118
34. Gravitational Equilibrium of Gases 124
35. Total Energy of Gaseous Substances 131
36. Comparative Altitudes of Planetary Atmospheres 135
37. Reactions of Composite Atmosphere 139
38. Description of Terrestrial Case 143
39. Relative Physical Conditions of Atmospheric Constituents 150
40. Transmission of Energy from Aqueous Vapour to Air Masses 153
41. Terrestrial Energy Return 160
42. Experimental Analogy and Demonstration of the General Mechanism of Energy Transformation and Return in the Atmospheric Cycle 170
43. Application of Pendulum Principles 181
44. Extension of Pendulum Principles to Terrestrial Phenomena 188
45. Concluding Review of Terrestrial Conditions—Effects of Influx of Energy 192