I. Inferences and suggestions in cosmical and geological philosophy
Theory of the Sun—Synthesis of Ponderable Matter in the Sun—Cause of the Solar Spots—Production of the Zodiacal Light—Origin of Meteorites—Original Formation of the Planets—Discrimination of the Views in Cosmical Philosophy advanced from those of Mayer and his School—Theory of the Minor Planets—Projectile Power of the Sun. This paper commences with the “ Theory of the Sun ,” embracing the subjects of the source of its energies, and the synthesis of ponderable matter. The position, powers, and functions of the Sun, as the physical centre of the solar system, are peculiar, and in fact unique. The “Primary Induction” from them, indicating, in the author’s opinion, “the principle of philosophical investigation.” which should be applied to the Sun, is conceived to be “That they imply a corresponding uniqueness and peculiarity in its constitution, characterizing also the nature as well as the disposition of the substances of which it essentially consists. But the particular density of the Sun indicates that it actually consists both of ponderable and imponderable matter.