IV. PHYSICS.—FIRST YEAR.
GENERAL PROPERTIES OF BODIES.—HYDROSTATICS.—HYDRODYNAMICS.
Lessons 1–5. Preliminary Notions.
Definitions of physics. Phenomena. Physical laws. Experiments are designed to make them spring out of the phenomena. Method of induction. Physical theories; different character of the experimental and mathematical methods.
General Properties of Bodies.
Extension. Measure of lengths. Vernier. Cathetometer. Micrometer screw. Spherometer. Dividing engine.
Divisibility. Porosity. Ideas generally received on the molecular constitution of bodies. These conceptions, which are purely hypothetical, must not be confounded with physical laws. Elasticity. Mobility. Inertia. Forces; their equilibrium, their effects, their numerical estimation.
Weight or Gravity.
Direction of gravity. Plumb-line. Relation between the direction of gravity and the surface of still water.
Weight. Center of gravity.