
In this thoughtful treatise the author tackles one of physics’ oldest riddles: what actually causes gravity’s pull. Drawing on Newton’s own rules of philosophical reasoning, he argues that the once‑favored “action at a distance” cannot survive modern experiments, and that a revamped notion of the universal ether is required. By proposing that ether possesses the same fundamental properties as ordinary matter—weight, elasticity, density, inertia, and even atomic structure—the work seeks to unite gravity with light, electricity and magnetism under a single, observable framework.
The early chapters lay out the logical groundwork, detailing how recent findings on light pressure and electromagnetic phenomena expose flaws in the classic ether model. From there, the author sketches a new vision where ether particles interact gravitationally, offering a potential key to the long‑standing mystery. Readers will find a blend of historical insight and bold speculation that invites fresh contemplation of the forces shaping our universe.
Language
en
Duration
~16 hours (935K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Release date
2008-02-22
Rights
Public domain in the USA.
Best known for early 20th-century books on aether theory, this British writer tried to explain gravity, matter, and the universe in plain, ambitious terms. His work offers a vivid glimpse of a moment when science, philosophy, and big cosmic questions were still deeply intertwined.
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