in Physics, signifies the science of the formation of the universe. It is formed of νεφελος, the world, and γεγονει, I am born.

In our conjectures about the formation of the world there are two principles which we ought never to lose sight of. 1. That of creation; for certainly matter could not give itself existence, it must have received it. 2. That of a Supreme Intelligence directing this creation, and the arrangement of the parts of matter, in consequence of which this world was formed. See Creation and Geology.