PREFACE

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 MovingPendulum—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