Essai synthétique sur la formation du Système Solaire; première partie: formation du système

Abstract

THE nebular hypothesis of the origin of the planetary system, presented by Laplace “avec la défiance que doit inspirer tout ce qui n'est point un résultat de I'observation ou du calcul,” is now just over a century old. At the time of its conception weak points must have been apparent, probably to none more clearly than to Laplace himself, although the main points of his theory are displayed with a concise lucidity, which is unfortunately rarely to be found in the works of later writers on the same subject. And now, after years of criticism and counter suggestions prompted by speculations both rational and irrational, the hypothesis stands very much in its original position. Its inadequacy in some special directions has, it is true, become more fully realised as fresh facts have arisen to be explained.

Essai synthétique sur la formation du Système Solaire; première partie: formation du système.

Par M. le Général Lafouge. Pp. ix + 226. (Chalons sur Marne: Martin Frères, 1898.)