DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL AND EXPERIMENTAL PHILOSOPHY
SECOND CLASS
The course in natural and experimental philosophy begins with and continues throughout the third academic year. Mechanics is studied during the first term. The text used is Gordon’s Mechanics. Many of the principles are illustrated by apparatus in the lecture and section rooms, and the students are required to repeat and explain these experiments. The course aims to be as complete as possible with the limitation that it can be properly covered in a term of about 90 to 100 days by students having a proficient knowledge of the calculus; the treatment is sufficiently mathematical to furnish a confident basis for advanced work in the technical staff after graduation.
During the second term about 120 lessons are allotted to this department. The first half of this time is devoted to the subjects of sound and light. The authorized textbook is Gordon’s Sound and Light.
Astronomy is studied in the remainder of the second term. The text used are Young’s General Astronomy and Michie and Harlow’s Practical Astronomy. The principal aim of this course, in addition to its important value in educational development, is to furnish an ample basis for the establishment of stations in explorations and surveys.
The class attends daily throughout the year, except eight days, during which half the class attends daily.
TEXTBOOKS
Sound and Light. Gordon.
Mechanics. Gordon.
General Astronomy. Young.
Practical Astronomy. Michie and Harlow.
Numerous standard works on the general subjects covered by the course are available for reference.