Cosmetus (kosmetus)

[NL. (Perty, 1830), Cosmia (kos'mi-ä), n. [NL. (Ochsenheimer, 1816), IMG:content-1386.jpg:[blocks in formation] cosmic, cosmical (koz'mik, -mi-kal), a. [= F. cosmique = Sp. Pg. It. cosmico, wholly by mechanics, and not by teleological principles. I can also understand that (as in Leibnitz's caricature of Newton's views) the Creator might have made the cos mical machine, and, after setting it going, have left it to itself till it needed repair. Huxley, Nineteenth Century, XXI. 490. By a cosmic emotion - the phrase is Mr. Henry Sidgwick's - I mean an emotion which is felt in regard to the universe or sum of things, viewed as a cosmos or order. W. K. Clifford , Lectures, II. 253. Hence-2. Pertaining to universal order; harmonious, as the universe; orderly: the oppo site of chaotic. IMG:content-1387.jpg:[blocks in formation] And if we ask whence came this rapid evolution of heat, we may now fairly surmise that it was due to some previous collision of cosmical bodies. J. Fiske, Cosmic Philos., I. 396. 4. In astron., visible for the first time before sunrise: only in the phrase the cosmical setting of a star.-5. Inconceivably prolonged or protracted, like the periods of time required for the development of great astronomical changes; immeasurably extended in space; universal in extent. The human understanding, for example - that faculty which Mr. Spencer has turned so skilfully round upon its own antecedents is itself a result of the play between organism and environment through cosmic ranges of time. Tyndall. IMG:content-1388.jpg:[ocr errors] 1288 6. Of or pertaining to cosmism: as, the cosmic philosophy. - Cosmical bodies. See regular body, under body. - Cosmic dust, matter in fine particles falling upon the earth from an extra-terrestrial source, like meteorites. The existence of such dust, in any sensible amount, is in great doubt; but particles of iron, etc., called by this name have been collected at various times, particularly from the snow in high latitudes. Much so called cosmic dust is only volcanic dust, which has been ejected from a volcano during its eruption; such particles may remain suspended in the upper atmosphere for a long period of time. See cryoconite. The microscopic examination of these Oceanic sediments reveals the presence of extremely minute particles,. which there is strong reason for regarding as cosmic dust. W. B. Carpenter, Micros., § 706. cosmically (koz'mi-kal-i), adv. 1. With reference to or throughout the cosmos or universe; universally. IMG:content-1389.jpg:[blocks in formation] 2. With the sun at rising or setting: as, a star is said to rise or set cosmically when it rises or sets with the sun. cosmics (koz'miks), n. [Pl. of cosmic: see -ics.] cosmology theory or science of the origin of the universe, or of its present constitution and order; a doctrine or account of the creation; specifically, the doctrine that the universe had a beginning in time. If we consider the Greek cosmogony in its entirety, as conceived and expounded by Hesiod, we shall see that it is diametrically opposed to the astronomy of the Babylonians. Von Ranke , Univ. Hist. (trans.), p. 281. 2. The origination of the universe; creation. [Rare.] The cosmogony, or creation of the world, has puzzled the philosophers of all ages. Goldsmith, Vicar, xiv. Every theory of cosmogony whatever is at bottom an outcome of nature expre ing itself through human nature. Maudsley, Body and Will, p. 231. =Syn. See cosmology. cosmographer (koz-mog'ra-fer), n. [As F. cos mographe mographe = = Sp. S cosmógrafo = Pg. cosmographo = It. cosmografo, see cosmography and -er.] One who investigates the problems of cosmography; one versed in cosmography. The cosmographers , which first discovered and described the roundne of the earth. Bacon, Filum Labyr., § 7. cosmographic, cosmographical (koz-mo-graf'ik, -i-kal), a. [= F. cosmographique = Sp. cos mográfico = Pg. cosmographico = It. cosmografico; as cosmography + -ic.] Relating to or dealing with cosmography; descriptive of or concerned with the world or the universe. An old cosmographical poet. cut under Cosmia.