102 ON THE EFFECT OF THE INTERNAL FRICTION OF FLUIDS
very well result from theories differing in some essential particulars from the theory of this paper. But should the numerical value of V/-6' determined by Coulomb's experiments on disks be found to give results in accordance with theory in totally different cases, then the theory will receive a striking confirmation. Before proceeding to the discussion of other experiments, there are one or two minute corrections to be applied to the value of ^/p given above, which it will be convenient to consider.
In the first place, the result obtained in Art. 8 is only approximate, the approximation depending upon the circumstance that the diameter of the revolving body is large compared with a certain line determined by the values of. p! and r. In the particular case in which the revolving solid is a circular disk, it happens that the approximate solution satisfies the general equations exactly, except so far as relates to the abrupt termination of the disk at its edge*. In consequence of this abrupt termination, the fluid annuli in the immediate neighbourhood of the edge are more retarded by the action of the surrounding fluid than they would have been were the disk continued, and consequently the resistance experienced by the disk in the immediate neighbourhood of its edge is actually a little greater than that given by the formula. I have not investigated the correction due to this cause, but it would doubtless be very small.
In the second place, the formula (15) is adapted to an indefinite succession of oscillations, whereas Coulomb did not turn the disk through an angle greater than the largest intended to be observed, and suffer one or two oscillations to pass before the observation commenced, but took for the initial arc that at which the disk had been set by the hand. Probably the disk was held in this position for a short time, so that the fluid came nearly to rest. If so, the resulting value of vV, as may readily be shewn, would be a little too small. For in the course of an indefinite series of oscillations, the disk, in its forward motion, carries a certain quantity of fluid with it, and this fluid, in consequence of its inertia, tends to preserve its motion. Hence, when the disk, having attained its maximum displacement in the positive direction, begins to return, it finds the fluid moving in such a manner as to oppose its return, and therefore it experiences a greater
* See note A, at the end.