The Stability of Rotating Liquid Masses

"The present volume covers those parts of the theory of the stability of rotating gravitating liquids that seem to be of primary importance in determining the evolution of such systems. Apart from the intrinsic mathematical and dynamical interest of the subject, the problem is also of considerable interest from a cosmogonical standpoint, as its solution is the sole source of the theoretical information on the question of how an isolated unstable rotating mass will develop. The important conclusion is reached, contrary to Jeans's views and to those still largely current amongst astronomers, that the dynamical evidence is entirely adverse to the so-called fission process of formation of binary systems. The work accordingly removes theoretical foundation from this process as playing any role in the evolution of binary systems. In this way the study indirectly assumes astrophysical value in that in disposing of the fission hypothesis it lifts what seems to the writer to have been one of the major obstacles to progress with the greater problem of stellar evolution."--