Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, "Matter" to "Mecklenburg" / Volume 17, Slice 8

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Gutenberg ID

42473

Title

Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, "Matter" to "Mecklenburg" / Volume 17, Slice 8

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

This volume from the Eleventh Edition of Encyclopaedia Britannica explores the fundamental nature of matter, detailing atomic theory, electrical constitution, and central forces in physics. It also provides a comprehensive historical overview of Mecklenburg, covering its geography, economy, and political evolution from Slavonic tribes to German duchies.

Summary up to 500 words

This excerpt from the Eleventh Edition of Encyclopaedia Britannica explores two distinct subjects: the modern scientific understanding of matter and a historical survey of the German region of Mecklenburg. The first section, authored by Max Müller, details how recent investigations into electricity conduction and radioactivity have revolutionized the molecular theory of matter. It posits that all atoms consist of negatively charged corpuscles (electrons) and positive units. Research indicates that the number of these constituents correlates with an element's atomic weight, suggesting a common basis for all matter. The text further examines central forces acting on particles, deriving equations for orbits under inverse-square laws (resulting in ellipses, parabolas, or hyperbolas) and inverse-cube laws (producing spirals). It analyzes the stability of these orbits, noting that circular paths are stable only if the force diminishes with distance less rapidly than an inverse-cube law. The second half of the text provides a comprehensive overview of Mecklenburg, located in northern Germany. Geographically, it is characterized by marshy moorlands and productive soil, with agriculture serving as the primary industry; key crops include rye, oats, and wheat, while livestock farming supports large herds of cattle and sheep. The industrial sector features iron-foundries, textile mills, and amber deposits along the Baltic coast. Historically, the region was originally inhabited by Slavonic tribes, notably the Obotrites, before being conquered by German kings such as Henry the Fowler in the 10th century. The narrative traces a complex feudal history involving partitions among princes, foreign influence from Denmark and Sweden, devastation during the Thirty Years' War, and the eventual adoption of Lutheranism. Following the extinction of various ruling lines and subsequent reunifications, Mecklenburg joined the German Empire in 1871. By the early 20th century, the duchies were ruled by grand dukes who retained the title of princes of the Wends, having adopted constitutions promised in 1907.

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• Encyclopedias