Catalogue of the University of Virginia

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
others, the Centre of Gravity, Theory of Machinery, Friction,
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 considered 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
phenom 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.

Reference is made in this class to Rogers' Mechanical Philosophy,
Lardner's Hand-books, and Silliman's Philosophy.

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.—Treatises of Herschel, Norton
and 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 practicable, from the Geological structure of
Virginia.

The students have an opportunity of familiarizing themselves
with the minerals, rocks and fossils exhibited in the lectures.

Text-Books.—Dana's Manuals of Mineralogy and Geology.

University of Virginia Library

V.—NATURAL PHILOSOPHY.

PROFESSOR SMITH.

MINERALOGY AND GEOLOGY.