Newton and Huygens

Abstract

UPON Newton's conception of the universe, space is considered to be void. A fluid or gas would oppose resistance to the motion of the planets, and however small this resistance might be, it would cause a diminution of the linear velocity of the planets. The central attraction being unchanged, a diminution of the linear velocity of the earth would cause an augmentation of its angular velocity around the sun. The period of revolution would take less time, and the length of the year would gradually decrease. Observation proves that this is not the case, and the necessary conclusion is, that there is no resisting medium in space, which must be, therefore, considered as perfectly void.