Chemical Composition of the Moon

Abstract

In conclusion of the second part of this book, concerned with the internal structure of our satellite, a few words should be added on the probable chemical composition of the lunar globe — a difficult subject to approach with any confidence at a distance, when most of its discussion has to rest on indirect arguments. Yet such arguments should enable us already at this stage to draw certain probable conclusions which should facilitate our discussion of certain topics in subsequent chapters. For this reason, as well as for the sake of demonstration of certain lines of deductive reasoning to which one must often resort in the studies of celestial objects at a distance, we shall, in what follows, develop this topic as far as can be done on the eve of manned landings in which direct acquaintance with the object of our study will largely supersede deductions made on theoretical grounds.