Books by "James Bell Pettigrew"
12 books found
In part II of this paper Means suggests that Professor Langley take one of the engines he has described and fasten it to a platform between guide bars. With a screw attached to the engine, Means expects the platform to be lifted upward. To keep such a craft from rotating when the guide bars were removed, Means would attach two long rudders.
The Natural Law of Cycles assembles scientific work from different disciplines to show how research on angular momentum and rotational symmetry can be used to develop a law of energy cycles as a local and global influence. Angular momentum regulates small-scale rotational cycles such as the swimming of fish in water, the running of animals on land, and the flight of birds in air. Also, it regulates large-scale rotation cycles such as global currents of wind and water.James H. Bunn introduces concepts of symmetry, balance, and angular momentum, showing how together they shape the mobile symmetries of animals. Chapter 1 studies the configurations of animals as they move in a head-first direction. Chapter 2 shows how sea animals follow currents and tides generated by the rotational cycles of the earth. In chapter 3, Bunn explores the biomechanical pace of walking as a partial cycle of rotating limbs. On a large scale, angular momentum governs balanced shifts in plate tectonics.Chapter 4 begins with an examination of rotational wind patterns in terms of the counter-balancing forces of angular momentum. The author shows how these winds augment the flights of birds during migrations. A final chapter centres on the conservation of energy as the most basic principle of science. Bunn argues that in the nineteenth century the unity of nature was seen in the emergent concept of energy, not matter, as the source of power, including the movements of animals and machines. In each chapter Bunn features environmental writers who celebrate mobile symmetries. This book will interest students, naturalists, and advocates of the environmental movement.
Remarks on Hawaii in Chapter XII, p. 166-182--Forbes, David W. Hawaiian national bibliography.
In "The Dawn of Reason; or, Mental Traits in the Lower Animals," James Jr. Weir embarks on a profound exploration of animal cognition, challenging the anthropocentric narratives of his time. Through meticulous observation and eloquent prose, Weir dissects the mental capabilities of various species, emphasizing their emotional and intellectual complexities. His work navigates the intersection of biology and psychology, employing a scientific yet accessible literary style that engages the reader while grounding arguments in empirical evidence. This pioneering text is situated within the broader context of late 19th-century debates surrounding speciesism and Darwinian evolution, contributing significantly to the burgeoning discourse on animal intelligence. James Jr. Weir, a contemporary of the naturalists and early psychologists, gathered insights from his extensive studies in zoology and comparative psychology. His experiences influenced his arguments, particularly concerning the moral implications of animal treatment and the recognition of non-human intelligence. Weir'Äôs background as a naturalist fosters a unique perspective that blends rigorous scientific inquiry with an ethical appeal, marking him as a forerunner in animal studies. I highly recommend "The Dawn of Reason" to readers interested in animal behavior, philosophy, and the evolution of consciousness. Weir's captivating narrative not only illuminates the inner lives of animals but also invites reflection on humanity's relationship with the natural world, making it essential reading for scholars and enthusiasts alike.