but as the function is arbitrary, we may write instead of a Dp, so that (eatD − e−atD) & (x, y, x) = sTM do sin 0 eat D cose † & (x, y, x). to at (2/sir 2π (eatD - e-atD) p (x, y, z) = π · ƒ2 du dv sinu. t. p (x + at sin u sin v, y + at sinu cos v, z+at cosu). Π 2π 4π V = ƒ ƒ2 du dv sinu. t. p (x + at sinu sin v, y + at sinu cos v, x+at cos u) d π 2T of du dv sinu. t. ↓ (x + at sin u sin v, y + at sin u cosv, x+at cosu). This transformation is given by Poisson, Mémoires de l'Institut, 1818. (c) The equation for determining the vibratory motion of a thin elastic lamina is d cos (bt)-dye-ontv cos ( − y). dx2 = Also sin (bt)-bfdt cos (bt). dx Therefore as F(x) is an arbitrary function, and as we may write F(x) for b F(x), we have ≈= dx2 y2) fdy cos (y){x - 2y (bt)}} + [dt fdy cos (— — y2) F {x – 2y (bt)3}. Poisson, Ib. CHAPTER XII. COMPARISON OF TRANSCENDENTS. THE integration of differential expressions frequently leads to forms which are not expressible by any finite combination of algebraic, circular, and logarithmic functions. Such integrals are called transcendents, and the study of their properties becomes of importance as affording the means of classifying and arranging them so as to reduce them to the smallest number of independent functions. The class of transcendents which has been most studied consists of those called elliptic, from their being in certain cases capable of representation by elliptic arcs. They thus appear to be functions little more complicated than those which are represented by circular arcs, and to be naturally pointed out as the next subject of investigation. The properties of these functions which have been discovered, relating chiefly to sums and differences of connected transcendents are very numerous; but in the following pages I shall confine myself to elementary illustrations of some of the principal theorems, making use chiefly of those examples which admit of a geometrical interpretation. Fagnani has availed himself of the relation which subsists between the integrals fyda and fady, to compare certain transcendents of considerable interest. Since fxdy + fydx = xy + const., if a symmetrical equation subsist between a and y, so that a is the same function of y that y is of r, or that when it follows that fp(x) dx + sp (y) dy = xy + const. This is true whatever be the nature of 4, independently of the integrability of the functions. (7) Thus if a be the abscissa of a hyperbola, the major axis of which is unity, the corresponding arc is represented by If y be another abscissa connected with the former by the equation which is symmetrical with respect to x and y, it follows that Mr Fox Talbot has extended to any number of variables the principle made use of by Fagnani in the case of two, and he has arrived at the following Theorem. If there be n variables x, y, z, &c. connected by (n − 1) symmetrical equations, so that they are all similar functions of each other, then if [p(x)dx + fp(y)dy + [p(z) d≈ + &c. = xyz &c. + const. *Phil. Trans. 1836 and 1837. The same theorem in a somewhat different form had been previously given by Hill in Crelle's Journal, x1. p. 193. It is only a case of the more general one in which the continued product xyz, &c. is replaced by any symmetrical function of those quantities. Let the variables be three in number, and let the symmetrical conditions be Then since x + y + z = xy + y≈ + ≈x + 3 ®gx + 1 = 0. (y + x) dx + (x + x) dy + (x + y) dx = d (xy + yz + xx), and since by the conditions just given since x + y + x = 0 by the first condition. (2) The principle of symmetry, of which these examples afford an illustration, is of the greatest importance in the 1 |