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Abstract

§1. Discussion of the fundamental constants of physics. The constants of atomic and nuclear physics are proven to be real constants by empirical facts, with thepossible exception of the Fermi constant of beta decay. Neither theoretical nor empirical arguments prove that the gravitational constantkappa is really constant. §2. Geological and geophysical evidence shows a marked expansion of the Earth in performance. It can be used to gain some quantitative information. §3. (Written together with my coworkersEhlers andKundt). The recent refutation of Jeffreys theory of tidal friction necessitates a new discussion of the Moons secular acceleration, the idea of bodily internal tidal friction leading to difficulties. This discussion gives a new interpretation at the basis ofDirac's hypothesis, and further quantitative information about $$\dot \kappa $$ . §4. Roche limit and tidal friction. §5. The results of satellite precision measurements of the Earth's oblateness are in greement with our conclusions. §6. The result concerning $$\dot \kappa $$ seems also to give the interpretation of diluvial glaciations.