Abstract
IN this book Mr. Nolan discusses the part played by tidal friction in the evolution of satellites. Although the subject is one of much scientific interest, his work is hardly likely to attract the attention it deserves, because the unmathematical reader will find the reasoning hard to follow, whilst the mathematician will be repelled by prolixity, due to the author's treatment of the problem by means of general reasoning.1 The first fifty pages of the book appear to be virtually contained in the single equation which states the effect of tidal friction in increasing the mean distance of a satellite. It might perhaps be interesting to some to discuss the various elements of the problem in detail, but those who are able to comprehend an analytical formula are not very likely to have the patience to follow such a discussion.
Satellite Evolution.
By James Nolan. Pp. 114. (Melbourne, &c.: George Robertson and Co., 1895.)
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DARWIN, G. Satellite Evolution. Nature 52, 518 (1895). https://doi.org/10.1038/052518a0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/052518a0