Abstract
FEW are probably likely to underrate the vast benefits which have accrued to physical science since the time of Poisson, from the application of mathematical analysis to physical problems; but it seems to me we are at present rather in danger of forgetting that such mathematical reasoning can only lead to useful results when founded upon definite physical conceptions. It was upon such a basis that the triumphs of Young, Fresnel, and Airy were won; and it is for want of such a basis that I fear we shall get little aid from Mr. Tolver Preston's ingenious speculation. Mr. Hicks has taken some exceptions to them, which seem sound if he has correctly read the theory, though I am not quite sure he has, or that I should go quite with him in regard to what Mr. Preston may mean. But I wish to point out, with your permission, objections of a more simple and definite physical nature.
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WRIGHT, L. The Transverse Vibrations of Light. Nature 21, 370 (1880). https://doi.org/10.1038/021370a0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/021370a0
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