University of Virginia Library

IV.—Natural Philosophy.

PROFESSOR SMITH.

There are three classes in this school: the Junior and Senior
classes of Natural Philosophy, and the class of Mineralogy and
Geology.

Instruction is given in all the classes by lectures and the study
of approved text-books, accompanied by daily examinations.

The Junior course commences with an exposition of the leading
doctrines of equilibrium and motion. The application of these
doctrines to the determination of the centre of gravity of bodies,
to simple and compound machines, to the figures of the planetary
bodies, the laws of universal gravitation, the pendulum, and to
projectiles, is dwelt upon at length. This is followed by an
account of the structure and physical properties of fluids, including
the laws of their pressure, motion and resistance, with a
variety of applications. The theory and construction of the
principal Pneumatic and Hydraulic machines are then presented.
To this succeeds the investigation of Molecular machines, embracing
the phenomena and laws of Endosmosis and Capillarity.
The remainder of the course is devoted to the study of Acoustics;
Optics, Geometrical and Physical; Heat, including the Steam
Engine; Electricity, Mechanical and Voltaic; and Magnetism.
The subjects taught in this course are illustrated by numerous
experiments and by the aid of a large collection of diagrams.

In the Senior Class the course of instruction begins with an
investigation of Molecular forces and the constitution of matter,
including a discussion of the theories of Newton, Boscovich,
Mossotti, and others. The class then proceeds to a mathematical
examination of the doctrines of Mechanical Philosophy, embracing
the laws of Friction and Strength of Materials, the
course concluding with Pure Astronomy.

The class of Mineralogy and Geology is first occupied with a
study of the properties, localities, and formation of the leading
minerals, and the methods of recognizing them by the blowpipe
and by wet tests. Constant attention is given to the geological
bearing of the various species. This is succeeded by a
presentation of the prominent facts and generalizations of Geology,
accompanied by a particular reference to the geological
structure of Virginia, and illustrated by sections and diagrams.
Throughout the course, specimens of the minerals and rocks
treated of, are exhibited.

Text-Books.—Elements of Mechanical Philosophy, by
Professor W. B. Rogers; Lardner's Hand-books; Bartlett's
Mechanics; Norton's Astronomy; Dana's Mineralogy; Lyell's
Elementary Geology.