III. On the differential equations of dynamics

Abstract

It is shown in the general paper that if an integral of any one equation of the peculiar system of (partial differential) equations there discussed be found, then if a certain numerical result of subsequent and always possible operations prove odd , an integral of the entire system can be found by the solution of a single differential equation of the first order. It is shown in the paper now sent that, when the above numerical result is even , we can reduce the original system of partial differential equations into a new system, fewer in number by unity at least, and of the same general character, so as to admit of a repetition of the same procedure. Thus the common integral sought will finally be given either by the solution of a single differential equation of the first order, or by finding one integral of the single partial differential equation, which, in the most unfavourable case conceivable, will remain at last.