 | Catalogue of the University of Virginia |  |
V.—NATURAL PHILOSOPHY.
PROFESSOR SMITH.
This school embraces three classes. Instruction is given in
each class by lectures and the study of text-books, accompanied
by daily examinations.
1. The Junior Class meets three times each week. The object
of the course of lectures to this class is to furnish the student
with a comprehensive view of Modern Physics, and to make him
familiar with its methods of investigation. With the design of
laying a thoroughly scientific basis for the course, a large space
is given, at the outset, to the discussion of the cardinal doctrines
of motion and force. These doctrines are established, and their
leading consequences traced without the use of technical or
mathematical language. Their application to the equilibrium
and motion of solids and fluids is fully presented. Under these
heads a great variety of topics is introduced, embracing, among
Pendulum and its uses, Figure of the Earth, Mean density of the
Earth, Laws of Gravitation, Construction and uses of Barometer,
Construction and action of Hydraulic, Pneumatic and Hydro-Pneumatic
Engines, &c.
The subject of Molecular Physics, for which the student is
now prepared, is next taken up and occupies the remainder of
the session. The structure of matter, and the laws of molecular
actions are explained in the light of experiment, and the atomic
hypotheses of Newton, Boscovich, Mossotti and others are examined.
The effects of the intermolecular forces are investigated,
as they present themselves in capillary phenomena and in the
osmose of liquids and gases. Their dynamical action in the phenomena
of wave motion, both superficial and internal, is traced,
Newton's rule for the wave velocity established, and the exceptions
explained. The Lectures then proceed to the subject of
sound, including its origin, mode of propagation, velocity in different
media, reflection, refraction and interference, and the theory
and sources of musical sounds. To this succeeds an extended
discussion of Light, both common and polarized; embracing the
propagation, reflection, single and double refraction, and interference
of each kind of Light, and a full examination of the
various theories of Light. The subject of Heat is then considered,
commencing with Radiant Heat, its velocity, reflection,
refraction, transmission and polarization: passing on to the physical
effects of Heat, in Expansion, Liquefaction and Vaporization
and including Thermometry and Calorimetry. In this connection,
the theory and action of the Steam Engine are presented.
Throughout this discussion, constant reference is had to the modern
Mechanical theory of Heat. The course of Lectures terminates
with the subject of Electricity, Franklinian and Voltaic,
connected with Magnetism, Dia-Magnetism, Electro-Magnetism
and Magneto-Electricity.
Throughout the course, the applications of the science to Meteorology,
Geology and Astronomy are noticed as they arise.
This department possesses a large collection of drawings, and
an ample cabinet of apparatus for the illustration of the lectures.
Among the instruments lately procured may be mentioned, Dubosc's
collection of apparatus for exhibiting optical phenomena
to a large assembly; Ruhmkorff's apparatus for Diamagnetic
tubes for stratified electric light.
Reference is made in this class to Rogers' Mechanical Philosophy
and to Lardner's Hand-books.
2. The Senior Class meets twice a week. Here certain portions
of the Junior course are more minutely discussed by the aid
of the lower Mathematics. This class studies, in addition, the
subject of Astronomy.
Text Books in Astronomy.—Herschel, Norton, Loomis.
MINERALOGY AND GEOLOGY.
3. These subjects are assigned to a separate class, which the
members of the other classes in the school may attend at their
option. In this class, the lectures commence with General Mineralogy,
which is treated with especial reference to Geology, to
which it is designed to be an introduction. In the lectures on
Geology, the specific identity of ancient and modern Geological
causes is pointed out, the present action of these causes, whether
atmospheric, aqueous or igneous considered, and their effects in
the past history of our planet examined. The illustrations are
drawn, as far as possible, from the Geological structure of our
own country in general and Virginia in particular.
The students have an opportunity of familiarizing themselves
with the minerals, rocks and fossils exhibited in the lectures.
Text Books.—Dana, Lyell, Jukes.
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