,,contributions ,,to ,,solar ,,and ,,terrestrial ,,physics4 ,in knowledge1 that man only is to be contemned and despised who is not in a state of transition4 --nor is there anything more adverse to accuracy than fixity of opinion4--,,faraday4 ,science must grow4 ,its development is as necessary1 and as irresistible as the motion of the tides1 or the flowing of the ,gulf ,stream4--,,tyndall4 ,the cry of science is still onward1 and its goal of yesterday will ever be its starting-point to-morrow4--,,dawson4 99499 ,may be procured through all booksellers4 ,it will be sent by mail1 postage free1 on receipt of price1 #a4jj cloth1 #ej cts4 paper4 ,liberal discount to the trade4 ,per ,c4 ,k4 ,,abel ,,son1 ,,booksellers1 ,dunkirk1 ,n4 ,y4 ,,new ,,and ,,original ,,theories ,,of ,,the ,,great ,,physical ,,forces4 ,,by ,,henry ,,raymond ,,rogers1 ,m4,d4 ,every time ,serves for the matter then born in it4 ,,shakspere4 ,,published ,,by ,,the ,,author4 ,,mdccclxxviii4 ,,copyright1 #ahgh4 ,,by ,,henry ,,raymond ,,rogers4 ,,trow',s ,,printing ,,and ,,bookbinding ,,co41 #bje-bac ,east #abth ,st41 ,,new ,,york4 ,,preface4 ,show me a man who makes no mistakes1 and ,i will show you a man who has done nothing4--,,liebig4 ,in this little volume the author gives but his own personal opinions upon the subjects discussed1 and although the sentiments are expressed with an assurance born of conviction1 yet he claims not infallibility4 ,he has ever been unable to accept the usual explanations of the great physical forces2 and the inadequacies of mooted theories have impelled him to efforts for more philosophical interpretations4 ,if in his investigations he has been forced to strange and unusual conclusions1 he has been actuated only by an honest desire to promote the advancement of science4 ,he is not insensible to the responsibility of the position which he thus voluntarily assumes1 in asserting his opinions upon problems so vast and momentous4 ,it is no enviable position to occupy1 that of antagonism to so large a proportion of the scientific world and1 too1 upon subjects of strictly scientific import4 ,that he does thus find himself placed in such relations at the present time1 has not been a matter of his own seeking4 ,no other consideration than the profoundest sense of duty and responsibility could have influenced him in the course pursued4 ,perhaps some apology is yet due for so boldly trespassing upon hypotheses which were very generally thought to be well established1 and certainly secure from such treatment4 ,the attempt1 in a measure1 to develop so extended a field of research1 in so few pages1 has led to much crudeness in the presentation4 ,for this a reasonable indulgence may be claimed4 ,,contents4 ,,chapter ,i4 ,,page ,,the ,,sun 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 #ag ,,chapter ,,ii4 ,,what ,,is ,,proposed 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 #bj ,the great problem4 ,,chapter ,,iii4 ,,intimate ,,nature ,,of ,,the ,,forces 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 #bd ,sunlight and sun-heat--,the great law of conservation--,how the spheres are constructed--,the great earth-core and its functions--,the grand magnetic circuit4 ,,chapter ,,iv4 ,,sunlight1 ,,its ,,source ,,and ,,nature 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 #bi ,its limits--,the solar cone--,the sun not incandescent--,new hypothesis--,no borrowed light--,the sun dependent--,light as a substance--,velocity of ,light4 ,,chapter ,v4 ,,sun-,,heat1 ,,its ,,source ,,and ,,limits 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 #ce ,tendencies to unsettle in science--,present theories--,true source--,earth's part in the process--,sun's part--,new philosophy--,old phenomena and new interpretations--,auror--,well understood processes in confirmation--,the ordinary battery--,the ,great ,sun ,battery--,heat without combustion--,inter-currents--,solution of the problem4 ,,chapter ,,vi4 ,,the ,,seasons 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 #dg ,why their varying temperature8--,a new philosophy4 ,,chapter ,,vii4 ,,gravity 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 #ej ,its essential nature and its source4 ,,chapter ,,viii4 ,,the ,,atmosphere 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 #eb ,a veritable ocean--,how constituted--,the vito-magnetic principle1 its extent and character--,its functions--,the air not yet comprehended--,have we been mistaken8--,new light--,electrical induction--,its mode of action and illustrations--,the character and virtue of the vito-magnetic element4 ,,chapter ,,ix4 ,,winds 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 #ei ,entertained theories erroneous--,their true character--,what gives rise to the currents--,purely vito-magnetic phenomena--,philosophical considerations drawn from observation--,whirlwinds1 waterspouts1 and tornadoes--,the ,barbadoes--,manufactured wind--,wind within a wind--,winds may not arise from presumed causes--,a great cosmical system4 ,,chapter ,x4 ,,sun-,,spots 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 #gj ,old theories--,degrees of spot-shadow overestimated--,what spots are not1 and what they are--,they are caused by magnetic perturbations--,inconsistency of accepted theories--,figures that are deceptive--,effects of these wonderful phenomena--,mistaken conceptions--,may not be tabulated--,unbiassed estimate of their character and location4 ,,chapter ,,xi4 ,,sounds1 ,,and ,,their ,,transmission 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 #gg ,essential character and mode of progression--,waves have no act or part in their conveyance4 ,,chapter ,,xii4 ,,some ,,of ,,the ,,results ,,of ,,the ,,foregoing ,,theories 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 #gi ,extent and character of their influence--,old channels obliterated1 and new ones developed--,sentiments changed--,nebular hypothesis--,the sun cool1 luminous1 and habitable--,celestial spectroscopy--,undulatory theories ignored--,light instantaneously transmitted--,telephone--,no light nor heat wasted--,extent of the atmosphere of the spheres--,the sun's power overestimated4 ,,chapter ,,xiii4 ,,influence ,,of ,,the ,,forces ,,as ,,causation ,,of ,,disease 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 #hd ,meteorological influence--,higher appreciation of the source of disease1 and increased efficiency in its treatment4 ,,chapter ,,xiv4 ,,the ,,artificial ,,production ,,of ,,light1 ,,heat1 ,,and ,,power1 ,,and ,,their ,,utilization 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 #hg ,,chapter ,,xv4 ,,why ,,was ,,not ,,this ,,discovery ,,sooner ,,made8 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 #ij ,its consummation nearly perfected by many others--,its successful accomplishment plainly foretold by ,faraday4 ,,appendix 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 #ie ,,illustrations4 ,,page ,i4--,,the ,,solar ,,cone1 ,,or ,,cone-,,space 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 #cj ,,ii4--,,the ,,seasons4 ,,summer 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 #dh ,,iii4-- ,,winter 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 #di ,,iv4--,,manufactured ,,wind4 7,from ,,deschanel',s ,natural ,philosophy7 4 4 #ff ,if we suppose the sun and fixed stars to be gigantic fountains of magnetic influence1 acting upon our globe and its atmosphere1 and likewise upon all the other planets1 the phenomena of the universe would then become susceptible of the grandest and simplest interpretations4--,,crossland4 ,are not the sun and fixed stars great earths vehemently hot8--,,newton4 ,herschel's fixed idea was that the darkness of a spot upon the sun was an indication of a cool and habitable globe4--,,humboldt4 ,the sun as the main source of light and heat must be able to call forth and animate magnetic forces on our planet4--,ibid4 ,,the ,,great ,,physical ,,forces4 ,,chapter ,i4 ,,introductory4 ,the ,sun4 ,the sun's position in the great field of energy is daily becoming more exalted in the estimation of philosophic minds4 ,his labors are being revealed to us with a distinctness never before conceived4 ,he it is that stored the coal in the bosom of the earth1 and piled up the polar ice4 ,he it is that aids the chemist1 drives the engine1 ripens the harvest1 dispenses life and health4 ,the study of the sun and solar physics1 therefore1 must be essential to the right understanding of whatever we observe to take place at the earth4 ,sun and earth are united in indissoluble bonds4 ,in philosophic minds the conviction of a most perfect inter-dependence is rapidly gaining ground4 ,all this has been known and appreciated to a degree1 yet this great source of universal operations is shrouded in mystery4 ,still1 our curiosity has been kindled1 and men are eagerly looking for further developments4 ,natural ,science1 in all her branches1 is fully awake1 and is on her watch-tower of observation4 ,ignorance of the sun1 of its character1 and of the methods by which its functions are performed1 must be confessed2 notwithstanding all the more recent unfoldings and imaginings of scientists1 regarding the great orb4 ,but yet we are very hopeful of vast increase in our solar knowledge2 not alone1 or chiefly1 by new observations1 or discoveries1 but quite as much by new interpretations of old1 long observed phenomena4 ,the ground of hopefulness lies in the belief that a grand unity underlies1 and binds together in one1 all ,physical ,forces1 as well in earth and sun4 ,while regarding the sun as all1 and more than all that has ever been claimed for it1 still we are impressed most strongly that the sun has social relations with his planets1 which have never been duly considered by the masters in science4 ,the sun acts1 but it must also be that the earth and planets react4 ,the sun gives and dispenses favors1 but science has too much overlooked the great fact that the sun receives and sympathizes4 ,let our philosophy but accept the idea that the sun rouses the earth into action through their mutual relationships2 that the two interchange good offices and essential services1 rather than that the sun is wholly independent1 and simply gives outright1 as philosophy has hitherto conceived1 and we think that the dawn of a better day has come4 ,the new philosophy1 in our opinion1 will teach that the sun gives in such a way that he will not be impoverished2 that though bountiful1 he is not wasteful2 that though he freely gives1 yet that he also as freely receives in return4 ,the new philosophy will be true to correlation1 and it will be true to conservation as well4 ,,chapter ,,ii4 ,,what ,,is ,,proposed4 ,in the following pages ,i shall endeavor to set forth1 in a simple and orderly manner1 certain of my own theories of the ,great ,physical ,forces4 ,in these theories will be comprised the identity of those forces1 the intimate and essential nature of sunlight1 sun-heat1 gravity1 sun-spots1 winds and sounds1 also the intimate nature of the atmosphere4 ,in treating these subjects my opinions will not be found in accord with those which receive universal assent at the present time1 and ,i may thus unintentionally offend4 ,i shall therefore claim exceeding indulgence4 ,if ,i differ from high authority1 ,i have not a thought of detraction4 ,none can venerate the ,,nestors in science who have enriched its annals1 more than ,i1 and though we reverse their judgments1 their errors are confessedly our indispensable helps and guides4 ,the ,great ,problem4 ,the problem of the great physical forces has engaged the profoundest attention of mankind from the earliest historic period down to the present time1 yet it remains practically unsolved4 ,before the ,christian era the opinion was entertained that all of the phenomena of nature might be reduced to one principle of explanation2 that there was more than a connection between the imponderable agents--more than a relationship even1--that there was an actual identity4 ,no substantial progress was thereafter made in the direction of verifying this theory until along into the present century1 when the development of electrical science presented a tangible basis for successful investigation4 ,the correlation of nearly all of those forces is now assured1 leaving little to be added besides gravity to complete the unity4 ,yet notwithstanding the satisfactory progress which has been made in solving the grand problem of their correlation1 little has been learned of their intimate nature1 and the method of their operation4 ,this is due1 in the highest degree1 to certain theories which were developed1 and which made their way1 pari passu1 with the advancements of electrical and electro-magnetic science4 ,these theories1 specious1 inconsistent1 illogical1 yet withal plausible1 and even fascinating1 served to blind the mental vision so that mankind might not appreciate the truth4#a ,the hypothesis promulgated by ,,bruno1 ,,kant and ,,laplace1 of the nebular origin of the spheres1 and the deductions consequent thereupon1 in regard to the progressive stages through which the earth in its developments has passed1 was pernicious in its influence in diverting the minds of investigators from other and truer channels4 ,to the blind confidence with which that hypothesis has been universally accepted and perpetuated1 and to the fallacious theories thus directly and indirectly engendered1 we owe our false position at the present day4 ,the present theories of the transmission of light and sound2 of the production of winds1 and sun-spots1 and of the method of development and dissemination of heat1 are in point of fact1 unphilosophical and incomprehensible4 ,it is quite remarkable that in the present century1 excelling as it does any period in the world's history in exact and reliable scientific knowledge1 such unsatisfactory opinions should obtain4 ,the failure is still more inexplicable when we reflect that these subjects are in importance the highest which can engage our attention as scientists4 ,we have at the present time sufficient reliable data whereon to found satisfactory hypotheses4 ,we have but to utilize the means which the true scientists of the century have so wonderfully developed1 and with which they have so prodigally surrounded us1 in order to complete the consummation of the great and crowning achievement in physical science4 ,,footnotes3 #a ,appendix1 p4 #ig4 ,,chapter ,,iii4 ,,the ,,great ,,forces1 ,,their ,,character ,,and ,,operations4 ,i now ask1 ,what is the intimate and inherent nature of those forces8 ,do they1 or either of them1 belong to the domain of the supernatural8 ,are they the products of some supreme force1 or forces1 heretofore unappreciated8 ,the reply is clear and unquestionable4 ,the supernatural must necessarily be a part of the ,divine ,essence1 and consequently intangible4 ,not so the subjects of our inquiry4 ,they are natural products1 therefore1 and the result of the operation of some power commensurate with the stupendousness of their manifestations4 ,sunlight and ,sun-heat4 ,in the forces1 light1 and heat1 what immensity of power is represented6 ,strangely enough we have ever imagined these forces to be the unaided work of the sun1 as though that luminary could be capable of sending forth in undiminished exuberance1 such marvels of force1 during all the ages1 and remain itself unexhausted6 ,the ,great ,law of ,conservation of ,force4 ,but how speaks the law of conservation1 that law most enduring1 and most inexorable8 ,according to the decrees of that law1 whatever is received by the earth from the sun1 an equivalent for the same must again be returned from the earth to the sun1 to the uttermost fraction4#b ,such being the conditions1 how may this retro-acting process that all analogy and the profoundest scientific axiom prove to be in constant operation--how1 ,i ask1 may this retro-acting process be explained8 ,what equivalent may the earth give back as compensation for such enormous benefits1 for such stupendous powers8 ,the laws of conservation may not be violated3 the earth will respond4 ,how are the ,spheres constructed8 ,the constitution of these two retro-acting spheres1 and consequently of all the others of the heavenly host1#c at this point demands our attention4 ,how are the spheres made up8 ,how speaks the earth8 ,the earth with which we are familiar--our sample--is formed of a slight crust1 a core1 to a greater or less extent and degree incandescent1 and measuring #bej1jjj millions of cubic miles in dimensions1 also an envelope which we call the atmosphere4 ,now1 from the presence of the vast mass of incandescent material within the enclosure of each sphere-crust1 it may reasonably be inferred1 nay the very nature of human reason compels the decision1 that they are placed there for some specific purpose1 and that their operations are commensurate with their immensity4 ,we may not neglect to make account of so vast an element1 and so vital and preponderating1 in all globes4,a ,we are thus compelled to answer the question1 ,what part in the economy of nature is this great central core particularly fitted to perform8 ,what its function among the great forces8 ,the great problem of the age1 which scientists are intently engaged in solving1 is the correlation of the leading forces already adverted to4 ,thus far light1 heat1 electricity1 magnetism1 chemical action1 vital action1 cohesion1 etc41 have been proved to be parts of one great whole4 ,now1 since the especial characteristic of the great earth-core is heat1 it comes directly into relationship with the forces mentioned4 ,how then are its forces expended8 ,through what channels do they manifest their presence8 ,the philosophical mind would most naturally associate with it the idea of stupendous magnetic power4 ,we may well suppose such a power extending its influence through and beyond the earth-crust1 reaching out towards the moon1 and retro-acting with that body in preserving their mutual relations4 ,does not this mighty influence reach out toward the sun also1 and act conjointly with that great central orb in producing results1 which to us1 have ever been great mysteries4#d ,the ,grand ,magnetic ,circuit4 ,in the retro-acting influence in operation between these great bodies1 may be found ,a ,grand ,magnetic ,circuit4 ,in this grand magnetic circuit is found the key to the whole subject of the correlation and identity of all the forces4 ,and now1 as preparatory to using this key that we may enter in and consider the intimate nature of the physical forces1 we would be impressed with the clear and full idea of this mighty current1 which bears upon its tide1 as one1 all manner of forces with which we have to do4 ,it remains for us to tell what this great current is1 and what it does4 ,to the child1 to the savage1 and to the civilized man alike1 it comes first and pre-eminently as light4 ,,footnotes3 #b ,appendix1 p4 #ih4 #c ,appendix1 p4 #ii4 #d ,appendix1 p4 #ii4 ,a ,the earth's core constitutes nearly #ih_/ajj of its entire mass4 ,,chapter ,,iv4 ,,sunlight4 ,its ,source and ,nature4 ,sunlight is one of the products of that grand retro-action which is incessantly in operation between sun and earth1 and is1 in its intimate and essential nature1 a vito-magnetic fluid,b 7or so-called magnetic74 ,subtle1 and apparently intangible1 manifesting itself rather as a presence than a real substance1 it fills all the space between the sun and earth--which space may1 with sufficient accuracy1 be termed the solar cone or cone-space4 ,its ,limits4 ,beyond the boundaries of the solar cone1 no light is4 ,illustration3 ,pl4 ,i4 ,,solar ,,cone4 ,the ,sun not ,incandescent4 ,the apparent brightness of the sun is owing to the aggregation of the #ic1jjj1jjj of miles of this fluid which is present between the sun and earth1 or to our presence in the great current of activity of the vito-magnetic force4 ,it is therefore not due to a condition of incandescence at or near that body4 ,it is cool and habitable1 and emits no light4 ,the brightness of the intervening fluid intercepts the view1 and thus no one may behold its body4 ,dark spots upon its face disclose its true character4#e ,if1 therefore1 the sun be truly dark1 the brightness of its satellites cannot be caused by light projected from its surface or surroundings4 ,how1 then1 may we account for the light of the moon and planets1 which do not possess a light sui generis8 ,a new hypothesis is requisite4 ,to frame this hypothesis is not difficult4 ,the ,new ,hypothesis4 ,analogy teaches us that the earth is seen from the moon and planets1 even as they are seen from the earth4 ,yet there is nothing upon the face of the whole earth which is capable of reflecting the slightest amount of the sun's rays to those spheres4 ,the fields1 forests1 rocks1 and seas1 only absorb light1 they do not reflect it4 ,in this phenomenon1 therefore1 there is no element of specular reflection4 ,it consists rather of the lighting up of the static vito-magnetic fluid of our atmosphere1 by the great solar current4 ,the atmosphere1 thus vivified1 discloses our presence to those orbs1 and in like manner1 their presence to the inhabitants of the earth4 ,no ,borrowed ,light4 ,the light of the planets is therefore in no sense a borrowed light1 since the action which generates and transmits it1 is purely co-operative4 ,otherwise there could be no light at the earth1 or planets4 ,the ,sun ,dependent for ,his own ,supply4 ,and1 indeed1 the sun possesses within himself alone no element of supply of his own needed light and heat2 and in his immensity and power is even dependent upon the circling orbs1 for the quantity of each which is indispensable to a condition of habitation4 ,the bodies of the planets are in like manner invisible2 we behold but the illumined atmosphere of each sphere4 ,thus the moon and planets1 to be visible1 must possess atmospheres4 ,light as a ,substance4 ,that the thunderbolt is a substance may not be questioned4 ,that the aurora borealis1 or polaris1 another form of vito-magnetic fluid1 is a substance is not questioned4 ,the so-called heat-lightning1 though apparently intangible1 must therefore be regarded as a substance4 ,yet further in the remove we find the zodiacal light4 ,sunlight is but the same1 in form of extreme tenuity4 ,the thunderbolt passes from earth to cloud1 and instantaneously changes its substantial form to one as tenuous as light2 yet1 in the transformation1 this fluid has not lost its identity4 ,though unseen1 it continues to exist as matter4 ,velocity of ,light4 ,while ever present1 light is being incessantly replenished2 its action being instantaneous4 ,the calculations of ,,ro,,mer1 founded upon observations made through spaces of #chb and #efh millions of miles of distance1 should not be too confidently accepted1 especially as the results of such conclusions are so vitally important4 ,when we consider that with our best telescopes directed towards the moon1 less than a quarter of a million of miles distant1 nothing really satisfactory may be discerned1 what value1 therefore1 may be attached to statements founded upon such thoroughly unreliable data8 ,,bradley',s estimate of the velocity of light1 founded upon his study of the aberration of light1 is even less worthy of consideration4 ,any effort to measure such an inconceivable velocity as that claimed for light1 by any means or appliances which may be devised by human ingenuity1 must be regarded as futile4 ,,descartes says3 ,light reaches us instantaneously from the sun1 and would do so1 even if the intervening distance were greater than that between the earth and heaven4 ,,footnotes3 #e ,appendix1 p4 #ii4 ,b ,this term is employed as being most exact and comprehensive1 as this fluid is now known to be the source of all life and all attractions4 ,,chapter ,v4 ,,sun-,,heat4 ,its ,source and ,limits4 ,sun-heat is another product of the same retro-action between the sun and earth2 consequently it has the same range and the same boundaries as when it is viewed as light4 ,tendencies to unsettle in ,science4 ,the scientists of to-day may well look after the soundness of their favorite theories of the great physical forces2 for the uncertain tenure of old theories1 by reason of recent discoveries1 is becoming but too manifest4 ,new phenomena are now observed which require solutions not met by present hypotheses4 ,the nebular hypothesis which has so long possessed the scientific mind has1 by the discovery of the moons of ,mars1 become a thing of the past4 ,according to ,m4 ,,maiche1 water is found to be no longer the old-fashioned conventional oxygen and hydrogen1 but essentially a new element must be considered in estimating its composition4#f ,light is ascertained to be as veritable a substance as water4 ,the sun is recognized to be dark1 cool1 and habitable4 ,messages go through the air from kite to kite ten miles apart without visible agency4 ,telephonic sounds leap from wire to wire through quite ten feet of space4 ,present theories of ,supply of ,sun-heat4 ,the present theories of the production and dissemination of sun-heat1 are simply accepted for want of better1 and not because they account satisfactorily for the phenomena4 ,the first and most prominent is the combustion theory1 which1 though bearing the seal of ages1 is obnoxious both to common and philosophic reasoning4 ,this theory presupposes a consumption of material beyond all conception1 and the supply of which has been no small tax upon the scientific imagination4 ,the source of this supply has been claimed to be the subsidence of useless worlds1 and of asteroids1 and meteors1 showered down upon its surface4 ,estimates have been carefully made1 and we are gravely informed of the probable amount of combustive material required to supply the sun's demands for given periods4 ,it is said that the coal-fields of ,pennsylvania1 which would supply the world's consumption for centuries1 would keep the sun's rate of emission for considerably less than #a_/a1jjj part of a second4 ,,pouillet estimated the quantity of heat emitted by the sun per hour to be equal to the supply of a layer of anthracite coal ten feet thick1 spread over the whole surface of the sun4 ,the theory advocated by ,,helmholtz1 and by many other scientists1 of the gradual contraction of the solar orb1 and that of ,,secchi1 the dissociation of compound bodies in the sun's substance1 are attempts after a more consistent philosophy4 ,the foregoing theories pre-suppose the sun to be a glowing fiery mass1 from which1 in all directions1 issue radiations of heat and light into space4 ,of this enormous quantity of radiated heat1 the earth is supposed to receive but #a_/b1jjj1jjj1jjj part4 ,,meyer observes3 ,a general law of nature which knows no exception is the following3 ,in order to obtain heat1 something must be expended4 ,this combustion theory therefore calls for an enormous expenditure of material for generating heat and light1 together with a still further expenditure of force for projecting these into all space1 at all distances4 ,all these theories are therefore inconsistent with the immutable law of the ,conservation of ,force4 ,the true ,source of ,supply4 ,in seeking the source of supply of heat and light1 we are compelled to look for a philosophy more consistent than any hitherto advanced4 ,controlled too much by the literal evidence of the senses and the superficial appearance of things1 we have ever regarded the sun as ,,all ,,alone in developing and exercising these great forces4 ,the law of conservation compels us to look to the earth1 a heretofore neglected factor in this problem4 ,this factor being introduced we shall find the problem to be wonderfully simplified4 ,all space may rationally be regarded as complete vacuum1 thus presenting no resistance nor obstacles to the free progress of the retro-acting elements4 ,distance is then virtually annihilated1 and ,mercury1 #cg1jjj1jjj of miles from the sun1 and ,neptune1 #b1hjj1jjj1jjj of miles1 stand alike in their relations with the great central orb4 ,the ,earth's part in the ,process4 ,the earth may no longer be regarded as having a merely passive part to play4 ,the forces in operation as between the earth and sun1 are purely co-operative1 and the one precisely counterbalances the other4 ,the earth1 therefore1 must have a vis viva within itself1 capable of reciprocating in the organic functions of the great vito-magnetic circuit4 ,we certainly know that it possesses a marvellous wealth of resources4 ,the following are the most important of its sources of vis viva4 #ast4 ,the great reservoir of vito-magnetic fluid1 the vast incandescent earth-core4 ,the presence and activity therein of mighty force1--of heat1 and motion1 in the highest degree1 are abundantly shown by various terrestrial phenomena4 ,these phenomena1 while perfectly familiar to observers1 seem never to have received any fitting interpretation4 #b;d4 ,motions and frictions of every kind2,c the motions of the waters of the earth1 the great oceans1 with their rolling tides sweeping the whole circumference of the earth twice in twenty-four hours1 at a speed of one thousand miles per hour2 with its frictions upon itself1 the bottom1 and the shores2 its great storms lashing it into fury1 and its gentler motions from lesser winds2 also the motions of all seas1 rivers1 and rain-falls4 #c;d4 ,so all motions of the air1 in form of hurricanes1 lesser winds1 or zephyrs2 tearing their way through forests1 and hills1 and through space2 or causing gentlest flutter of leaflet4 ,we have witnessed their goings forth1 but have neglected to calculate their mission4 #dth4 ,all chemical actions4 #eth4 ,all combustions4 #fth4 ,all evaporations4 ,the earth is thus elaborating in all her gigantic processes1 the materials and forces1 which she furnishes in the great interchange4 ,how strangely have these great sources of vis viva remained practically unheeded until the present time4 ,the ,sun's part in the ,process4 ,the part performed by the sun may but feebly be conceived4#g ,within its vast proportions 7being #a1jjj times as large as all the planets combined7 may be found every element suited to all requirements4 ,we seek a new ,philosophy4 ,the construction of a true philosophy of the physical forces must depend now upon our rightly understanding the modus operandi of the conveyance1 and utilization1 of these sun-elements1 and the workings of this sun-power4 ,the presence of a veritable flood of light1 heat1 and magnetic force1 as in motion from the sun to the earth1 has ever been recognized4 ,the line of greatest intensity of this solar1 or vito-magnetic current1 is found along the line of greatest diameters of those bodies4 ,the centre of this current reaches the earth at1 or near the equator4 ,it is a well-established fact that from the equator to the poles a continuous magnetic flood is ever in motion4#h ,in thus tracing the course of the magnetic current from the sun to the equator1 and thence to the poles1 a physical necessity1 made imperative by the inexorable law of conservation1 indicates that a retro-current from the earth back to the sun1 must now have part in the process4 ,should such be the case1 as all reason and philosophy affirm1 we have a completed ,grand ,magnetic ,circuit1 in and through which all physical phenomena have their origin4 ,but aside from the logical necessity1 we hold that there are terrestrial phenomena1 which1 rightly interpreted1 point to just such a retro-acting inter-communication4 ,old ,phenomena1 and new ,interpretations4 ,the phenomenon1 the aurora borealis1 or polaris1 has never been satisfactorily explained4 ,it is acknowledged as purely magnetic in character1 and to be due to the passage of currents upward from the earth4 ,it has received the regard due to a mere negative though brilliant exhibition1 whereas the character1 extent1 and significance of its manifestations should have caused it to be greeted1 and studied1 as the index of the operation of very positive cosmical functions4 ,,humboldt regarded this process as the restoration of a disturbed equilibrium2 and so indeed it is1 but it is an equilibrium1 not simply as between the earth1 and atmosphere4 ,various observers have estimated the altitude to which the aurora sometimes reaches1 at from #hj to #bfe miles4 ,the fact that the bulk of the atmosphere reaches but three miles above the earth's surface1 forbids it to be regarded as purely a terrestro-atmospheric phenomenon4 ,while viewing the more striking and brilliant exhibitions of the aurora1 the more undemonstrative and by far the most important and vital operations have been disregarded4 ,the former may not be observed1 except occasionally1 and fitfully1 can only be present when favoring meteorological conditions admit of its disclosure4 ,the latter1 more unobtrusive and even invisible to the naked eye1 are incessantly1 and at all seasons1 in action1 by day as well as by night4#i ,may not this auroral display then be regarded in a measure as confirmatory of what the law of conservation had already suggested to us2 the existence of a retro-current8 ,well understood ,processes in ,confirmation4 ,the suggestion of a simple1 adequate1 and perfect theory is given us by an ordinary electro-magnetic battery4 ,let the conducting wire from such a battery extend half around the circumference of this globe4 ,it is apparently as quiet and dormant as is our earth2 yet in those cold plates1 solutions1 and wire1 there lie the hidden elements of heat1 light1 and power4 ,at the distant extremity of the wire1 when not connected with the earth1 we may have none of the manifestations of heat1 light1 or attraction--even though the plates are put into the solution4 ,but let us now make the connection between the extremity of the wire and the earth1 then the circuit is complete1 and heat1 light1 and attraction are disclosed in highest degree4 ,now from the ,great ,sun ,battery1#aj in which we locate the one ,great ,universal ,force3 ,newton's ,higher and ,still ,unknown ,force1 every one recognizes a current constantly present1 setting towards the earth4 ,that current is recognized as bringing us our light and heat4 ,but without a retro-current1 should we have a circuit complete8 ,should we have any of these phenomena8 ,heat without ,combustion4 ,neither in the battery nor near the battery do the phenomena manifest themselves4 ,though the developer of light1 heat1 and power1 the battery itself is neither luminous1 hot1 nor magnetic4 ,to explain the effects of the sun1 therefore1 there is not the least reason to infer that it is itself luminous1 or even warm4 ,potential action generated in a dark1 cold body1 may produce great heat and light1 at a distance from the seat of activity2 and what is thus wrought artificially in a small way may surely be done naturally in a tremendous fashion by the grand forces of the sun4 ,inter-currents4 ,it is now well known that a number of currents may pass in each direction1 at the same time1 over one and the same telegraph wire2 and in like manner1 great solar currents may pass to and fro without interference4 ,solution of the ,problem4 ,sun-heat1 therefore1 like sunlight and gravity1 is a veritable production1 yet it is not due to the process of combustion4 ,it is not dependent for its creation upon the destruction of fabulous quantities of substantial materials4 ,the rather does it originate in1 and is it disseminated through the vast energies of spheres retro-acting upon spheres throughout the whole universe of matter4 ,,footnotes3 #f ,appendix1 p4 #ii4 #g ,appendix1 p4 #ajj4 #h ,appendix1 p4 #ajj4 #i ,appendix1 p4 #aja4 #aj ,appendix1 p4 #ajb4 ,c ,in the motions of the spheres through space1 unlike all other forms of motion1 there is no element of resistance4 ,this form of motion is therefore incapable of developing vis viva4 ,,chapter ,,vi4 ,,the ,,seasons4 ,why their varying ,temperature8 ,the usual explanation of these phenomena1 i4 e41 the influence of direct and oblique sun-rays1 has ever seemed insufficient and unsatisfactory2 especially in view of the fact that the heat comes not from the sun by continuity after the manner of progression as from a heated body4 ,a philosophy more exact and consistent may be found in the development of the theory already advanced1 and which is illustrated in the following plates4 ,the maximum of heat at the surface of the earth bears a very constant and intimate relation to the line of greatest diameters of the sun and earth4--,pl4 ,,ii4 a4 ,through this line the heat-producing functions of these great spheres are in operation in the highest degree4 ,illustration3 ,pl4 ,,ii4 ,,seasons4--,,summer4 ,this line of magnetic1 or heat activity1 consequently varies with the earth's movements4 ,on the #bjth of ,june the flood of summer heat overspreads the northern portions of the earth2 the sun thence apparently turns southward1 and with its departure the relations of the line of heat activity change4 ,the city of ,new ,york1 which on the #bjth of ,june is found nearest the centre of the solar current 7,plate ,,ii4 b71 is1 on the #bast of ,december1 located at its greatest distance from the line of magnetic or heat intensity 7,plate ,,iii4 b71 where the heat-producing forces are in operation in but low degree4 ,illustration3 ,pl4 ,,iii4 ,,seasons4--,,winter4 ,,chapter ,,vii4 ,,gravity4 ,its ,essential ,nature1 and its ,source4 ,gravity is not a separable entity1 not a power per se4 ,it is but a production1 and an operation1 of the same retro-action between sun-core1 and earth-core4 ,this retro-action gives rise to a stupendous magnetic circuit1 as described1 in which both sun and earth become the embodiments of magnetic force1 or1 in other words1 great magnets4#aa ,the power thus developed is exercised in preserving the relative positions of the two bodies1 and1 on the part of the earth1 as we know1 in drawing unto itself all objects within its influence4 ,the same current1 therefore1 which lights up our earth1 and which gives to it its requisite supply of heat1 at the same time indues it with the power of attraction4 ,thus is engendered that power known as gravity1 which has ever been acknowledged a profound mystery beyond the comprehension of man4 ,,footnotes3 #aa ,appendix1 p4 #ajb4 ,,chapter ,,viii4 ,,the ,,atmosphere4 ,a ,veritable ,ocean4 ,the great arial ocean which we call the atmosphere 7at the bottom of which we live1 and move1 and have our being71 is even more vitally important than has ever been dreamed of in human philosophy4 ,how ,constituted4 ,its tangible constituents1 such as clouds1 vapors1 gases1 are well understood2 as well as the modifying influence of those atmospheric elements upon what we call sunlight1 and sun-heat4 ,but the intangible and vital principle1 or basis of the atmosphere1 has in a measure escaped recognition4 ,this principle is vito-magnetic in its character1 and may be designated as static1#ab from its habit when in equilibrium1 and also in contradistinction from that vast flood of active fluid which fills the solar cone-space4 ,extent and ,character of this ,influence4 ,the whole globe and its surrounding atmosphere are vast reservoirs of this static fluid4 ,these1 interacting freely through continuity1 virtually become one in their operations4 ,as a constituent of the atmosphere this fluid is nearly uniform in its proportions4 ,its varying conditions1 as positive1 negative1 and neutral1 form a marked peculiarity4 ,changes from one to another of these conditions1 over larger or smaller areas1 are affected with marvellous rapidity1 and with varying and sometimes with striking results4 ,in the extremes of atmospheric temperature1 this fluid is found to exist in the extremes of its positive and negative conditions4 ,the contrast is by some supposed to exist in the seasons of winter and summer1 in proportions as #ac to #a1 7heretofore regarded as quantitive74 ,note the ,functions of this ,ocean4 ,this fluid is indeed the vital principle1 upon which all life1 animate and inanimate1 depends4 ,the necessity for frequent respirations is occasioned by the imperative demands of the system for this agent4 ,as before intimated1 the mild and steady light which illumines the earth in its day-season is owing to the action of the active fluid of the cone-space upon the static fluid of the atmosphere4 ,the untempered force of the former might not be endured4 ,the pale and steady light of the moon and planets is due to a like reaction through the same agencies4 ,the relations which the present known constituents of the atmosphere sustain to this fluid may not at the present time be estimated4 ,not yet fully ,comprehended4 ,air1 said ,,sir ,,lyon ,,playfair1 is the most familiar of substances2 the first with which an infant becomes acquainted on entrance into the world1 and in death1 the last to be given up2 yet1 strange to say1 its nature and constitution have only become partially understood within the past century1 and even now scientific knowledge can only be regarded as on the threshold of the subject4 ,the novelty and the assurance of the concluding lines of the above quotation would1 at a comparatively recent date1 have excited in the reader a great astonishment4 ,we had supposed that the constituents1 and the functions of our atmosphere were very well understood1 that little1 if anything1 could be learned by further investigation4 ,yet the revelations which are now being made show the assertion of ,,sir ,,lyon ,,playfair to be almost prophetic4 ,the vito-magnetic1 the most important ingredient1 has scarcely been referred to in any formula of its constitution4 ,this constituent as previously stated1 forms the bulk of the atmosphere1 and upon it depends the principal performance of its varied functions4 ,more vital than oxygen1 without it life could not be sustained for an hour4 ,have we been ,mistaken8 ,the experiments of ,m4 ,,pasteur have demonstrated that oxygen and light are not essentials of life1 as he developed life in the dark1 in an atmosphere of carbonic acid4 ,new ,light4 ,more recent discoveries verify the presence of this comparatively unappreciated constituent4 ,the process of induction has ever been a great mystery in electrical science4 ,magnetic currents are known to act upon bodies in close proximity without the intervention of a spark1 and to indue such bodies with magnetic force4 ,this action1 called induction1 has been supposed to be limited to short distances4 ,this we believe to be erroneous4 ,in order that the inductive process take place1 it is only necessary to suppose some impulse to be superinduced upon some pervading medium4 ,this medium we recognize in the static vito-magnetic constituent of the atmosphere4 ,magnetic or electrical induction is therefore nature's effort towards an equilibrium4 ,newly-discovered phenomena show that this process is carried on even at considerable distances4 ,to ,prof4 ,,loomis of ,new ,haven1 ,conn41 we are indebted for experiments which illustrate this fact4 ,these experiments show that magnetic communications may be made through ten miles of space without the intervention of visible means of conduction4 ,the employment of wires is rendered unnecessary by reason of the presence of the vito-magnetic fluid which operates in restoring the disturbed equilibrium4 ,magnetic currents are therefore not essential to this phenomenon4 ,a wonderful exhibition of this power was recently observed at ,rochester1 ,n4 ,y4 ,in a telephonic exhibition in this city1 the musicians were located in ,buffalo1 sixty-eight miles distant4 ,while ,,prof4 ,,johnson was engaged in preparatory practice during the afternoon1 the notes from ,buffalo were distinctly heard at the same time1 in a city business office1 at some distance from the hall of exhibition4 ,yet the wire used by the ,professor1 and that employed in the private telephone1 were at no point less than ten feet apart4 ,the same phenomenon was observed during the progress of the exhibition in another locality1 the two lines still being no nearer than ten feet to each other4 ,the ,character and ,virtue of this ,element may not be ,mistaken4 ,it is this vito-magnetic element1 and not some other ingredient1 that renders the atmosphere so sympathetic1 and responsive1 to the governing ,force resident in the sun1 and in the earth-core4 ,the atmosphere thus not only furnishes the field of operation for the manifold ,force1 co-operating between the sun and earth1 but is itself the medium and instrument of the operations4 ,the vito-magnetic power under its ,protean forms1 styled ,vital ,forces1 and ,the ,physical ,forces1 works in the atmosphere and is the source of nearly all its phenomena4 ,it causes and directs movements in every province of nature4 ,nothing else has so intimate relations with animal and vegetable life and growth4 ,it may be considered as constituting the inherent virtue of the atmosphere4 ,among the varying manifestations in which this agent is disclosed to us1 within and beyond the atmosphere1 may be enumerated the following1 viz43 #a1 ,linear lightning2 #b1 ,ball lightning2 #c1 ,the flash with reverberations2 #d1 ,heat lightning2 #e1 ,aurora2 #f1 ,frictional or mechanical2 #g1 ,magnetic2 #h1 ,vital2 #i1 ,st4 ,elmo's ,fires2 #aj1 ,the exaggerated wave which bears destruction in its pathway2 #aa1 ,that disclosed by rain1 hail1 snow1 and fog2 #ab1 ,sunlight1 and sun-heat2 #ac1 ,static1 or atmospheric2 #ad1 ,zodiacal light2 #ae1 ,corona1 etc41 etc4 ,,footnotes3 #ab ,appendix1 p4 #ajd4 ,,chapter ,,ix4 ,,winds4 ,entertained theories ,erroneous4 ,the mere mechanical theory which regards the atmosphere as a loose mixture of gaseous materials1 and the winds as mere mechanical disturbances within it1 misses its real intimate nature and is insufficient4 ,but once conceive the atmosphere as arranged like a perfectly adjusted instrument for the meeting-place and co-operation of sun-force1 and earth-force1 where are elaborated all the benefits designed for our mundane creation1 and we begin to look for better explanations4 ,their true ,character4 ,what we call the wind is mediately the air moving but causatively1 and immediately1 and more profoundly1 it is the action of the vito-magnetic fluid4 ,it is therefore a purely magnetic phenomenon4 ,in the interplay of that subtle1 all-pervasive fluid1 is found the key to the theory of the winds4 ,hurricanes1 cyclones1 tornadoes1 zephyrs1 etc41 are manifestations of its operations4 ,these phenomena imply the existence of a force at times stupendous1 and at times so gentle as simply to move a leaflet4 ,this power in full magnitude may spring instantaneously into action2 and it may1 too1 as instantaneously cease4 ,it may suddenly drive a body of air at the rate of one hundred miles per hour1 and as suddenly arrest its progress4 ,the air having no inherent propulsive powers1 that originate and control its directions1 velocities1 and varied forms of movement1 is yet subject to definite laws4 ,what these laws are has never been divulged4--,the wind bloweth where it listeth4 ,yet in viewing earth and atmosphere as vast reservoirs of vito-magnetic fluid1 shifting back and forth to maintain an equilibrium1 we believe we see the workings of the very force which moves and sways the atmosphere2 which causes its currents1 both general and special2 and which gives rise to all its more extraordinary and unaccountable phenomena4 ,what gives rise to the ,currents4 ,the changes in the magnetism of the earth and atmosphere give rise to these currents4 ,they are developed in various forms4 ,the following may be mentioned as the most important4 #ast4 ,the general and widespread perturbations1 occurring within the body of the earth1 and implicating immense areas1 even whole continents4 #b;d4 ,the interruptions of continuity of the solar currents as in the phenomena called sun-spots4 ,these changes1 to whatever cause due1 are capable of disturbing the terrestrial magnetic equilibrium over varying areas1 and of working instantaneously4 #c;d4 ,the effects of the interruptions of the sun's rays through the medium of clouds4 #dth4 ,purely local vito-magnetic1 or electrical1 actions occupying smaller or larger areas4#ac ,that the origination1 suspension1 and continuation of these movements1 in all their forms are due to purely vito-magnetic force1 we think demonstrable4 ,thus1 no other can act so instantaneously1 none with such varied exhibitions of power1 and none so widespread in their development4 ,in the movement of a body of air1 the space previously occupied by that body must be resupplied by another of equal volume4 ,this resupply may not necessarily be derived from the circumambient atmosphere as heretofore supposed4 ,in some instances the resupply is derived in but slight degree from that source1 but rather from that great reservoir1 the earth2 as in the instances of whirlwinds and tornadoes4 ,philosophical ,considerations drawn from ,observation4 ,,flammarian says3--,we know that a whirlwind is a column of air which turns upon its own axis1 and which advances comparatively slowly1 for1 as a rule1 a person can keep up with it at a walking pace4 ,this whirling column of air is both caused and set in motion by electricity4 ,if whirlwinds are caused and set in motion by electricity1 why may not all other forms of wind be productions of the same force8 ,,peltier has established both by numerous facts and by a series of ingenious experiments1 that the waterspouts of the land and sea are electrical phenomena4 ,this had been suspected by ,,beccaria a hundred years before4 ,the hurricane which occurred in the ,barbadoes in #ahca1 was the most remarkable on record4 ,in the actions of the hurricane and the electrical displays1 there was abundant evidence of cause and effect4 ,the lightning for hours played in flashes and forked darts1 and moved frightfully between the clouds and the earth1 with a most surprising action1 and the earth was felt to tremble4 ,the moment this singular alternation of the lightning passing to and fro ceased1 the hurricane burst forth with a violence which exceeded all that had yet been experienced4 ,the winds blowing with appalling velocity1 changed their course frequently and almost instantaneously1 occasionally abating but only to return in gusts from ,s4 ,w4-,w4 and ,n4 ,w4 with accumulated fury4 ,these alternations of wind and violent electrical phenomena1 were something more than coincident1 more than a casual connection4 ,here we observe a manifest inter-dependence4 ,in another hurricane1 the wind blew about twelve hours with the utmost fury from the ,n4 ,e4 and then1 in an instant1 perfect calm ensued for an hour1 then1 quick as thought1 the hurricane sprang up with tremendous force from the ,s4 ,w4 ,no other power known can suspend and put in motion1 in opposite directions1 such marvellous velocities and so instantaneously4 ,a remarkable phenomenon was exhibited by a hurricane in #ahcg1 and described by ,,capt4 ,,seymour of ,cork4 ,for nearly an hour we could not see each other nor anything else1 but merely the light1 and most astonishing1 every one of our finger-nails turned quite black and remained so nearly five weeks afterwards4 ,this fact may be classed among other proofs of the agency of electricity in the production of hurricanes4 ,the following facts are entirely inconsistent with usual methods of explanation of the cause of winds3 ,the entire atmosphere1 to the altitude of many thousand feet1 is constantly traversed by numerous horizontal currents of air1 flowing in different directions and at different heights4 ,the course of a balloonist was altered no less than five times in the space of fourteen hours4 ,the aronaut ,,green1 at the height of #ad1jjj feet1 encountered a current that bore him along at the rate of five miles per hour1 but upon descending to the altitude of #ab1jjj feet he met a contrary wind blowing with a velocity of eighty miles an hour4 ,the vito-magnetic fluid is capable of becoming amassed1 condensed and rarefied4 ,in the tornado that happened at ,natchez1 in #ahdj1 the houses exploded whenever the doors and windows were shut1 the roofs shooting up into the air1 and the walls even of the strongest buildings bursting outward with great force4 ,on the #ahth of ,june1 #ahci1 a whirlwind fell upon the village of ,chatenay1 near ,paris4 ,in the room of a house over which it passed1 several articles of needle-work were lying upon a table4 ,the next day some of them were found in a field at a distance from the house1 together with a pillow-case taken from another room4 ,they must have been carried up the chimney by the rush of air outwards1 as every other means of exit was closed4 ,it is a fact well-known to miners that during and before violent tempests1 strong ascending currents are observed4 ,illustration3 ,pl4 ,,iv4 ,,manufactured ,,wind4 ,if a metallic rod terminating in a point be attached to the conductor of an electrical machine1 electricity escapes in large quantities from the point4 ,a continuous current is thus kept up and the flame of a taper1 if placed in front of the current1 is blown in a horizontal direction4 ,wind is thus manufactured on a small scale4 ,pl4 ,,iv4 ,at a recent meeting of a ,meteorological ,society in ,england1 a paper was read by the ,,rev4 ,,joseph ,,crompton1 ,m4,a41 ,f4,m4,s4 ,the author1 when walking close to the ,cathedral of ,norwich1 was struck with the unusual fluttering of the flags on the top of the spire1 which was #cjj feet high4 ,they were streaming with a strained1 quivering motion perpendicularly upwards4 ,a heavy cloud was passing overhead at the moment and as it passed1 the flags followed the cloud and then gradually dropped into comparative quietness4 ,the same phenomenon was noticed several times4 ,as the cloud approached1 the upper banner began to feel its influence and streamed towards it1 against the direction of the wind1 which still blew as before1 steadily on all below4 ,as the cloud came nearer1 the vehement quivering and streaming motion of the flags increased2 they began to take an upward perpendicular direction into the cloud and seemed almost tearing themselves from the staves to which they were fastened4 ,again as the cloud passed1 they followed it as they had previously streamed to meet its approach1 and then dropped away as before1 one or two actually folding over their staves4 ,all the other flags at the lower elevation did not show the least symptom of disturbance4 ,in this phenomenon we observe the operation of two of the wind-producing causes just mentioned1 viz43--a wind arising from purely local causes1 and of limited extent1 occurring within the boundaries of a wind produced by the action of more general1 and widespread causes--,a wind within a wind4 ,the above instances plainly carry a suggestion of magnetic origin and power4 ,winds may not arise from ,presumed ,causes4 ,if winds are due to such a simple mechanical causation as the production by the sun1 of a rarefied atmosphere1 the colder air rushing in from all sides into the empty spaces1 we should hardly expect to find any definite currents bounded by well-defined limits2 much less should we look for transverse and opposite currents going like messengers at varying rates of speed1 some slow1 and others exceedingly swift4 ,nor may stronger gales suddenly cease1 as though stopped by some mighty invisible wall4 ,and in no wise can they1 from mere calorific agencies1 leap out of perfect calmness into hurricane velocity1 or subside into silence as by magic4 ,on no such principle can they shift back upon their own track1 going either way with terrific velocity4 ,a ,great ,cosmical ,system4 ,we have seen the marks of electrical action in the cases cited1 and since we know something of the subtlety of the agent2 that it may be amassed1 condensed and rarefied1 that it is not loose and wandering1 and the mere plaything of fortuitous forces1 as the atmosphere is supposed to be2 but1 on the contrary1 has close and most sympathetic adjustment with the earth-force2 and that it is the invisible hand that holds and manages the grosser atmospheric matter2 since we know this1 we are now brought to the study of a great cosmical system4 ,,footnotes3 #ac ,appendix1 p4 #aje4 ,,chapter ,x4 ,,sun-,,spots4 ,grave ,doubts4 ,,herbert ,,spencer says3 ,at present none of the interpretations of the sun-spots can be regarded as established4 ,how numerous and how strange have been the theories promulgated as to the character of the manifestations called sun-spots4 ,the dark spots in the sun have been supposed to be solid bodies revolving very near its surface1 ,smoke of volcanoes2 ,scum floating upon an ocean of fluid matter2 ,clouds2 ,opaque masses floating in the fluid matter of the sun1 dipping down occasionally1 ,fiery liquid surrounding the sun which1 by its ebbing and flowing1 the highest parts of it were occasionally uncovered1 and appeared under the shape of dark spots1 and by the return of the fiery liquid1 they were again covered1 and in a manner successively assumed different phases2 ,interruptions of continuity in the bright envelopes immediately surrounding the sun1 ,cavities etc4 ,overestimate of the ,degree of ,spot-shadow4 ,public sentiment in regard to the degree of darkness which is disclosed in sun-spots is exceedingly erroneous4 ,it is believed that the spots are really dark4 ,z,,llner1 however1 states that ,the black umbra of a spot emits four thousand times as much light as that derived from an equal area of the moon4 ,the blackest part of the spot is intrinsically bright4 ,what ,they are not1 and what ,they are4 ,these phenomena may not arise from disruptions taking place on the sun's surface1 neither from violent agitations near that surface4 ,the essential and intimate character of the so-called sun-spots may be found in the interruptions of continuity in the fluid occupying the solar cone-space4 ,this fluid which we call sunlight intercommunicates between the entire opposing surface of sun and earth1 unless interrupted by some temporary cause4 ,any cause which is capable of producing results of such character and magnitude can only act by more or less completely interrupting the development or transmission of this fluid4 ,the result of such action would be disclosed to us by a decreased brilliancy in the direction of the sun4 ,the so-called sun-spot would be in character1 magnitude1 form1 and shade proportionate to the extent and character of the disturbing force4 ,the permanence or evanescence of the spot would indicate the sun or earth as being the locality of such derangement4 ,the more permanent form being developed at the sun1 and the more ephemeral at the earth4 ,any forces in operation at the earth which might interfere with the intercommunication of light1 would lessen the brilliancy of the light1 at the earth-extremity of the cone-space2 and the deficiency thus produced would disclose to an observer at the earth all the appearances of a spot upon the surface of the sun4 ,the so-called spot1 thus produced1 might therefore not be regarded as a veritable spot upon the sun's disc1 but rather as an optical illusion4 ,they are ,caused by ,magnetic ,perturbations4 ,what may be the forces in operation on the part of the sun1 and earth alike1 which may so interfere with the development or transmission of light through the solar cone-space8 ,the condition of the contents contained within the enclosure of the sun-crust and earth-crust1 is presumably one of unrest2 its actions varying from repose to the most violent agitation1 with a tendency to the cyclonic in its motions4 ,although the earth-core may not be presumed to be an entire moving mass1 yet it is known to be in a measure incandescent1 and molten4 ,magnetic storms occur within our earth-crust which sway the needle without1 and almost instantaneously manifest their presence over areas of more than half the globe4 ,the same phenomena are undoubtedly present in increased development at the sun4 ,we may therefore with reason suppose that perturbations1 however produced1 occur within those spheres1 of such an extent and character as might be a sufficient cause of the interruption of development1 or of transmission of that fluid4 ,inconsistency of the ,present ,accepted ,philosophy4 ,the ephemeral or evanescent character of many of the so-called sun-spots1 removes them from the domain of sun-phenomena1 otherwise than in appearance4 ,figures that are ,deceptive4 ,some of these spots even of large dimensions come into the field of view almost instantaneously2 and as suddenly disappear4 ,thus ,,krone observed a spot of no inconsiderable dimensions which sprang into existence in less than a minute of time4 ,,dr4 ,,wollaston says3--,i once saw with a two-inch reflector a spot which burst in pieces as ,i was looking at it4 ,,biela also notes that spots disappear sometimes in a single moment4 ,,sir ,,william ,,herschel turned away his eyes from a group of spots he was observing1 and when he looked again the group had vanished4 ,of those who attempt to make an estimate of these phenomena by mathematical formul1 we would ask1 ,what velocities must these sudden and apparently widespread outbursts represent1 if they take place at the sun8 ,effects of these ,wonderful ,phenomena4 ,that this phenomenon is a result of an interruption of the solar current is rational to suppose4 ,it is indisputable that the interruptions which produce these manifestations have an important bearing upon terrestrial phenomena4 ,winds1 storms1 vegetation1 healthfulness1 are manifestly influenced1 and in a measure controlled by these perturbations4 ,mistaken ,conceptions4 ,the claim of many scientists that spot periods may be calculated1 and classified1 possesses no element even of probability1 much less of fact1 to sustain the supposition4 ,the evanescent character of many of these spots places them beyond the sphere of statistical calculation4 ,may not be ,tabulated4 ,not even concerted and systematic investigation can insure reliable conclusions1 for persons separated by even inconsiderable distances would not always observe precisely the same spot manifestations4 ,moreover1 the spots appear and vanish so quickly that no correct estimate can be made at any single locality4 ,as well attempt to map and chart the aurora borealis4 ,unbiassed ,estimate of their ,character and ,location4 ,,scheiner was one of the first who ever observed these spots through a telescope1 and was therefore uncontrolled by theories in his estimate of their character and location4 ,he held it impossible that they could be on the sun itself1 and imagined some of them to be as far from the sun1 as the moon1 ,venus1 or ,mercury4 ,,chapter ,,xi4 ,,sound4 ,essential ,character and ,medium of ,transmission4 ,sounds are products of vito-magnetic conditions and changes4 ,they result from action or force expended upon the vito-magnetic element of the atmosphere4 ,if such action or force be directly expended upon the air1 or1 more accurately1 upon this vito-magnetic constituent of the air1 it is propagated in accordance with the laws that govern the transmission of the vito-magnetic or electrical fluid through the air4 ,if it be expended upon a lengthened wire1 then1 as sound1 it is transmitted according to the laws of magnetic transmission through wire4 ,the recent experiments in connection with the telephone have demonstrated the fact that sound may be communicated through hundreds of miles of space without occupying any appreciable length of time--in this respect being precisely like the ordinary action of the magnetic current4 ,it is most philosophical therefore to conclude that it is the same element that is concerned in both instances4 ,if we were to distinguish between the actions of the telephonic wire and the telegraphic wire we should say that there is no difference in the medium of communication1 which is in either case the vito-magnetic fluid2 but that in the former the normal fluid is affected simply1 while in the latter an artificial and extraordinary amount of fluid is induced so as to produce strong magnetic effects4 ,in the telephone wire we have an affection of the fluid2 in the telegraphic wire a pulsation1 so to speak4 ,in the production of sound1 vibrations 7erroneously called waves71 have an important agency1 but they have no act or part in its conveyance4 ,the varying intensities of sound1 and the distance to which it reaches1 are in direct ratio with the kind of force applied in its production1 the character of the resistance offered and the medium of communication employed4 ,,chapter ,,xii4 ,,some ,,of ,,the ,,results ,,of ,,the ,,foregoing ,,theories4 ,the theories thus asserted may be regarded as exceedingly radical in their character4 ,their influence may not be fully estimated4 ,marvellous in extent are the ramifications which proceed from these sources1 and few are the subjects of human thought and investigation which will not be1 to a greater or less degree1 affected by their influence4 ,new channels of thought and investigation will be opened1 and old theories which now have the confidence of great minds and great numbers1 will quietly sink into oblivion4 ,the blank astonishment and incredulity with which these theories will be received1 will soon be followed by acceptance1 and the world will wonder why these things have been so long delayed4 ,if these theories be true1 among the foremost and withal the most mischievous of the old theories which will fall1 will be that figment of the imagination--the ,nebular ,hypothesis4#ad ,how strangely1 and how strongly1 has that hypothesis maintained its ground1 even after nebulous masses have been resolved into clusters of stars4 ,if gravity be the result of retro-acting forces1 there could be no element of attraction in the flimsy gaseous particles whereby they might be drawn together4 ,if gravity be the result of retro-acting forces1 then must those forces have their existence somewhere4 ,but where could there be found in flimsy gases any such special centres of force--any nuclei--from which attraction might proceed in its work of forming the spheres8 ,a starting-point is lacking4 ,if these theories be true1 the sun is formed like unto the earth1 and is cool1 non-luminous1 and habitable4 ,incandescence not being the condition of the sun or its surroundings2 exhausted worlds1 worn out asteroids1 and stray comets and meteors are not required to keep up external fires4 ,if1 therefore1 incandescence be not a condition of the sun's surroundings1 then surely there may be no glowing metallic vapors1 no hydrogen1 no iron1 no sodium1 no magnesium1 no oxygen2 those constituents of the sun envelope1 so graphically described by the spectroscopists of the present day4 ,the origin of celestial spectroscopy was as vague and unphilosophical as was that of the nebular hypothesis4 ,,frauenhofer and ,,kirchhoff imagined certain things1 and straightway a great theory sprang into existence4#ae ,verily the ,scientific use of the ,imagination too often leads men into the grossest errors4 ,if these theories be true1 we may hereafter ignore all undulatory processes4 ,time may no longer be estimated in noting the transmission of light and heat1 since1 like gravity1 each acts instantaneously4 ,if the most distant fixed star which is visible could be annihilated to-night1 its light would be seen no more forever4 ,if these theories be true1 the recent marvels of the age1 the telephone1 phonograph1 and their fast-multiplying brood find a satisfactory and philosophical explanation4 ,if these theories be true1 the boast of the ,atheist1 that ,god is wasteful and a bungler1 in that he wastefully scatters his sunlight1 and sun-heat1 in all directions into space1 is set at naught4 ,nature has been misinterpreted4 ,no sunlight nor sun-heat is disclosed1 except in the direction of other spheres4 ,these theories throw new light upon the character and extent of the atmosphere of the moon and planets1 and the consequent availability of those and other spheres for sustaining life4 ,the extent of the atmosphere of each celestial body may be presumed to be proportionate to our own4 ,analogy would therefore teach us that those bodies1 also our sun1 and other suns1 are the abodes of intelligent beings4 ,if these theories be true1 heat may no longer be regarded as actual motion among the particles of heated matter1 neither may we longer imagine the existence of hypothetical upper trade winds4 ,if these theories be true1 the part which has ever been attributed to the sun as originator and dispenser of light and heat1 has been overestimated4 ,every sphere contains within its enclosure the source from which its own supply is derived2--a veritable storehouse1 which at one and the same time yields and governs its requisite supply4 ,the earth receives what is due to it1 in the interchange constantly taking place2 and not an amount which the sun may fitfully dole out4 ,in the character of the winds1 and atmosphere as disclosed1 what revelations6 ,what floods of light will thus be thrown upon subjects now mysterious6 ,,footnotes3 #ad ,appendix1 p4 #ajf4 #ae ,appendix1 p4 #ajf4 ,,chapter ,,xiii4 ,,the ,,direct ,,influence ,,of ,,these ,,forces ,,as ,,causation ,,of ,,disease4 ,in its bearings upon the systemic conditions which we term health and disease1 this mysterious vito-magnetic fluid is of the highest import4 ,this great principle which fills the earth and all spheres1 and governs and binds them together--this great principle which is the source of all life1 animate and inanimate--this principle dominates in every vital system1 from man down through and beyond the microscopic forms of existence4 ,the normal action of this principle in every part of the human system constitutes health2 its abnormal action1 disease2 its interruption1 death4 ,the human system is thus a delicately organized and exceedingly sensitive vito-magnetic machine1 and is virtually kept in action through the operation of this principle4 ,any condition1 therefore1 which may directly or indirectly influence or disturb this principle1 may influence or disturb the actions of every human organization4 ,in the search for causes of disease throughout the ages1 this field1 so fruitful in material1 has been left almost unexplored4 ,the disclosures of the early future will wonderfully change the sentiments entertained in regard to the cause of a large proportion of our diseases4 ,meteorological influence1 although now comparatively ignored as a disease-producing power1 will ere long be recognized not only as a power1 but as the power1 far overshadowing all other influences combined4 ,the character and extent of these influences are scarcely imagined4 ,in estimating them the attention of the profession is now mainly directed to thermometric and hygrometric changes and conditions4 ,these form not the largest proportion of the perturbing influences constantly in operation around us4 ,with the verification of the meteorological theory of causation1 more positive and rational ideas will prevail2--obscurity will1 in a measure1 give place to clearer and more exact perceptions of the character and relations of diseases1 and a corresponding efficiency in treatment may be expected4 ,,chapter ,,xiv4 ,,the ,,artificial ,,production ,,of ,,light1 ,,heat1 ,,and ,,power1 ,,and ,,their ,,utilization4 ,the practical procurement of necessary light and heat for our dwellings1 as well as of necessary mechanical power for the world's work in mills and factories1 in some less expensive and laborious manner than through vast consumption of wood1 coal1 and oil1 is believed to be now so close upon realization that we may even call it un fait accompli4 ,the conversion of the momentum of rivers1 and of the power of cataracts1 tides1 and winds1 into vito-magnetic or electrical fluid2 the transportation of this fluid to any locality through wire or cable2 and its final transmutation into light1 heat1 or mechanical force sufficient for all work1 are already demonstrated as practicable4 ,there is no reason then why the ,mississippi should not be made to roll1 and ,niagara to fall through our workshops1 or even to impel our street-cars4 ,they may as well work as to be idle as they go4 ,but in all this1 startling as it seems1 man is only imitating ,nature in her every-day operations through sun and earth4 ,even the order is similar4 ,the sun is the river giving its constant impulse through the vito-magnetic cable of the solar cone4 ,the earth end of the cable is adjusted by means of the atmosphere1 for the production of light and heat for this earthly habitation4 ,it indues the globe with magnetic influence which we have called gravity4 ,and in its workshop1 its mechanical and vital forces are keeping up all motions in animal and plant1 earth1 ocean1 and air4 ,and thus light1 heat1 gravity1 mechanical power1 electricity1 magnetism1 vital force and universal motion1 are but one principle variously expressed4 ,this principle we have designated vito-magnetic fluid4 ,but have we reached a climax and an end8 ,no4 ,this vito-magnetic river or current flows on4 ,its flood is never stayed4 ,but yet we find no accumulation4 ,light and heat have neither been piled up to the sky1 nor have they become annihilated4 ,their essential element has only changed form1 and proceeded on its busy way1 turning earth into a magnet1 vivifying and operating all organisms1 travelling upon all currents1 gathering up and utilizing all the fragments and waste of its workshop1 transmitting and conserving its energy en route to the poles4 ,and finally1 the same element that signalized its entrance at the earth's more central regions ,,as ,,heat1 now signalizes its departure along earth's polar extremities ,,as ,,cold4,d ,nothing is lost4 ,such a mighty flowing current cannot be stopped4 ,if it rolls in we may be assured that somewhere it will roll out4 ,and this is but ,,the ,,grand ,,cosmical ,,circuit1 already made mention of4 ,,footnotes3 ,d ,we would not define cold as absence of heat4 ,cold is rather the opposite electrical condition to heat4 ,,chapter ,,xv4 ,,why ,,was ,,not ,,this ,,discovery ,,sooner ,,made8 ,it may be asked1 why should the discovery of this great source of all the forces1 vital and physical1 have been delayed to the present time8 ,master minds have been engaged for ages in efforts to solve the wonderful problem4 ,,herschel1 ,,newton1 ,,humboldt1 ,,faraday1 ,,mossotti1 and many others have held the key almost within their control1 and the consummation has only failed of being realized at an earlier day by reason of the tenacity with which the minds of men are held by preconceived and pre-existing opinions4 ,,sir ,,william ,,herschel regarded solar and stellar light as the effects of an electro-magnetic process4 ,,newton recognized all movements of the cosmical bodies to be the result of one and the same force2 of some higher and still unknown power1 but luminiferous ether shaded his mental vision1 and he failed to discern that power4 ,in his investigations of those great subjects he is led to ask1 ,are not the sun1 and fixed stars1 great earths1 vehemently hot8 ,,humboldt said3 ,it is indeed a brilliant effort1 worthy of the human mind1 to comprise in one organic whole1 the entire science of nature1 from the laws of gravity to the formative impulse in animated bodies2 but the preoccupation of his vast mind1 and the hold of pre-existing ideas1 offered difficulties to the solution of the problem4 ,but1 note the approximation of his ideas to those herein expressed1 he said3 ,the sun1 as the main source of light and heat1 must be able to call forth and animate magnetic forces on our planet4 ,unfortunately1 however1 he continues thus3 and more especially in the gaseous strata of our atmosphere4 ,,faraday1 perhaps the most distinguished man1 in the whole of his own field1 which the world has ever produced1 recognizing the power of this great obstacle to true advancement 7i4 e41 preconceived and pre-existing ideas71 once said3 ,when such a one as myself gets out of the way1 then new conditions1 new men1 new views1 new opportunities1 may allow of the development of other lines of active operation than those heretofore in service4 ,he believed in the existence of one great universal principle1 from which gravity1 heat1 light1 electricity1 magnetism1 even life itself might come4 ,he spent many of his latest years in efforts to solve this great problem1 and on his failure he asked3 ,is it all a dream8 ,he never1 however1 wavered in his faith1 and his last efforts were directed to that end4 ,with prophetic vision1 almost amounting to prescience1 he1 in speaking of magnetism1 said3 ,when we remember that the earth itself is a magnet1 pervaded in every part by this mighty power1 universal and strong as gravity itself1 we cannot doubt that it is exerting an appointed and essential influence over every particle of matter1 and in every place where it is present4 ,what its great purpose is1 seems to be looming up in the distance before us3--the clouds which obscure our mental sight are daily thinning1 and ,i cannot doubt that a glorious discovery in natural knowledge and in the wisdom and power of ,god in the creation is awaiting our age4 ,thus did those great philosophers so nearly attain to the goal of their highest earthly aspirations1 and only failed in the consummation by reason of clinging to the existing opinions of their age4 ,,appendix4 #a4 7,page #bb47 ,,bruno1 about the close of the last century1 guessed the fundamental fact of the ,nebular ,hypothesis1 and ,kant reasoned out its foundation idea1 and ,,laplace developed it4--,,correlation ,,and ,,conservation ,,of ,,forces4 ,we have learned to recognize on how very doubtful a basis many of the received axioms of physical science are founded4 ,this hypothesis has been received with much unanimity and has firmly held its sway4 ,yet1 ,,bruno guessed the fundamental fact1 and this figment of the imagination has1 for nearly a century1 controlled the scientific mind4 ,its paralyzing influences have affected other departments of physical science1 and true progress has been obstructed4 ,the attempt to describe minutely how the spheres were formed millions of years ago is but presumption4 ,this hypothesis1 from such an origin1 unverified and unverifiable1 is too weak to support the superstructure which has been erected upon it4 ,this hypothesis discarded1 it may be presumed that the earth was never in a fluid or wholly incandescent state4 ,it may be shown that all nebul are crowded stellar masses4--,,humboldt4 ,action and ,retro-action4 #b4 7,page #be47 ,considering the continued activity of the sun through countless centuries1 we may assume1 with mathematical certainty1 the existence of some compensating influence to make good its enormous loss4--,,cor4 ,,and ,,con4 ,,of ,,forces4 ,if the earth receives the benefits of this activity1 surely the compensating influence must1 in a like degree1 go forth from the earth to the sun4 ,and1 furthermore1 if this influence 7whatever its character7 may pass in the one direction through space without known or visible means of communication1 retro-action may be affected through the same channel4 ,the ,earth and all ,spheres framed alike4 #c4 7,page #bf47 ,the earth belongs to a system of planets analogous to itself1 having the same origin1 the same destiny1 situated around the same centre and governed by the same motive power4--,,flammarian4 ,mutual ,relations of ,earth and ,sun4 #d4 7,page #bg47 ,a mysterious chain links together the celestial and terrestrial forces4 ,according to the ancient signification of the ,titanic myth1 the powers of organic life1 that is to say1 the great order of nature1 depend upon the combined action of heaven and earth4--,,humboldt4 ,the ,sun's ,body ,dark4 #e4 7,page #cj47 ,,herschel',s fixed idea was that the darkness of a spot was an indication of a cool habitable globe4 ,a ,new ,theory of the ,nature of ,water4 #f4 7,page #cf47 ,m4 ,,maiche1 in ,les ,mondes1 propounds the theory1 reached after numerous experiments1 that water is simply hydrogen plus electricity1 or oxygen minus electricity1 or1 in other words1 that normal electrified hydrogen constitutes water1 and that normal diselectrified oxygen produces the same2 or that hydrogen1 oxygen1 and water are precisely the same1 differing only in degree of electrification4 ,sun-heat4 #g4 7,page #da47 ,the sun1 as the main source of heat and light1 must be able to call forth and animate magnetic forces on our planet4--,,humboldt4 ,it is an incontestable fact that the sun exercises an action upon the magnetic phenomena which are manifested upon our globe4--,,secchi4 ,what is certain is1 that there ought to be1 between the sun and planets1 a means of communication of force1 and the transmission of movement4--,ibid4 ,the central body may1 as a powerful source of heat1 excite magnetic activity on our planet4--,,humboldt4 #h4 7,page #db47 ,it cannot be doubted that electro-magnetic currents exist in the interior of the globe4--,,amp,,re4 ,the internal heat of our planet is connected with the generation of electro-magnetic currents4--,,humboldt4 ,a large proportion of winter heat of the poles comes through the equatorial current4--,,youmans4 ,auror4 #i4 7,page #dd47 ,,hood heard a noise as of quickly moved musket-balls1 and a slight crackling sound during an aurora4 ,he also noticed the same noise on the following day4 ,,father ,,perry of the ,stonyhurst ,observatory remarked that the green spectroscopic line characteristic of the aurora1 could be detected even where the unassisted eye failed to notice any trace of light4 ,the fleecy clouds seen in ,iceland by ,,thienemann1 and which he considered to be the northern light1 have been seen in recent times by ,,franklin and ,,richardson1 near the ,american north pole1 and by ,,admiral ,,wrangel on the ,siberian coast4 ,all remarked that the aurora flashed forth in the most vivid beams when masses of cirrus strata were hovering in the upper regions of the air1 and when these were so thin that their presence could only be recognized by the formation of a halo around the moon4 ,these clouds sometimes range themselves even by day in a similar manner to the beams of the aurora and then disturb the course of the magnetic needle in the same manner as the latter4 ,on the morning after every distinct nocturnal aurora the same superimposed strata of clouds have still been observed1 that had previously been luminous4 ,,parry even saw the great arch of the northern light continue throughout the day4 ,,arago was of the opinion that each observer saw his own aurora somewhat as each observer of a rainbow sees the luminous arc differently placed4 ,the ,great ,sun ,battery4 #aj4 7,page #dd47 ,if with a percussion cap and a tear we may develop sufficient power to deflect a magnetic needle #c1jjj miles distant1 what power may not be expected of the sun1 #a1bej1jjj times larger than the earth2 the sun exercising a force of the same character8 ,gravity4 #aa4 7,page #ej47 ,,prof4 ,,mossotti has recently shown1 by a very able analysis1 that there are strong grounds for believing that not only the molecular forces which unite the particles of material bodies depend on the electric fluid1 but that even gravitation itself1 which binds world to world1 and sun to sun1 can no longer be regarded as an ultimate principle1 but the residual portion of a far more powerful force1 generated by that energetic agent which pervades creation4--,,faraday4 ,if gravitation is made to mean something allied to magnetism1 some poorly explained phenomena become easily understood4 ,but what are the circumstances affording proof of the identity of these forces8 ,first1 gravitation acts upon all kinds of matter2 ,,faraday proved the same of magnetism4 ,second1 gravitation is attractive2 so is magnetism4 ,third1 gravitation is proportionate to the mass2 the force of magnets also depends upon the mass4 ,fourth1 gravitation acts in an inverse ratio to the square of the distance2 so does magnetism4 ,fifth1 gravitation does not manifest polarity2 magnetism is known not to do so4 ,sixth1 gravitation acts independently of bodies affording a resistance to light and heat2 so does magnetism4--,,cartwell4 ,,faraday',s biographer says3--,he is oppressed with the magnitude and importance of his subject1 yet is stimulated by the fact that the discovery which he aims for 7the relationship between gravity and electricity7 would have a bearing in importance far beyond all conception in elucidating not only the facts connected with these subjects1 but also others of a high importance4 ,there being scarcely a limit to the subjects which would be illuminated by it4 ,gravity1 surely this force must be capable of an experimental relation to electricity and magnetism and the other forces1 so as to bind it up with them in reciprocal action and equivalent effect4--,,faraday4 ,,kepler regarded gravity and heat as being probably derived from one single principle4 ,there is every reason for believing that the radiations which constitute heat and light are essentially the same4 ,gravity acts instantaneously4 ,static ,electricity4 #ab4 7,page #eb47 ,speaking of static electricity1 ,,faraday remarks3 ,what an idea of the ever-present and ever-ready state of this power is given to us1 when we consider that not only every substance1 but almost every mode of dealing with substance manifests its presence4 ,it is not accidental at these times1 but active and essentially so1 and we may1 in our endeavors to comprehend it1 usefully compare and contrast it with gravity which never changes4 ,there we see that power which in undisturbed and solemn grandeur holds equally the world and the dust of which worlds are formed together1 and carries them on in their course through illimitable space through illimitable ages2 and in this other power1 even in this our first glimpse we see probably the contrasted force which is destined to give all that vivacity and mutual activity to particles that shall fit them as far as matter alone is concerned1 for their wonderful office in the phenomena of nature1 and enable them to bring forth the ever varying and astonishing changes which earth1 air1 fire and water present to us2 from the motion of the dust in the whirlwind up to the highest conditions of life4 #ac4 7,page #fa47 ,an illustration of this form of wind-production may be found in the following facts related by ,,dr4 ,,gisler1 who for a long time dwelt in the north of ,sweden3 ,the matter of the aurora borealis sometimes descends so low that it touches the ground4 ,at the summit of high mountains it produces upon the face of the traveller an effect analogous to that of wind4 ,we should pronounce this effect to be the production of a true wind of a circumscribed or local character4 ,solar ,spectrum1 its origin4 #ad4 7,page #hj47 ,,prof4 ,,kirchhoff was led to the study of a coincidence between the bright yellow line given in an incandescent sodium vapor1 and the solar line ,d1 which coincidence had already been noticed by ,,frauenhofer4 ,upon applying a greater dispersive power he noticed that the line ,d was a double one2 but so also was the sodium line under these conditions4 ,moreover1 each line of the one coincided with each line of the other4 ,the suspicion became strong that it was the sodium in the sun which caused the ,d line4 ,he then extended the comparisons to other elements4 ,he carefully measured sixty bright lines in the spectrum of iron2 and found every one of these sixty lines to correspond with a dark in the solar spectrum4 ,the overwhelming probability of a common cause for both was forced upon him1 and by calculation he ascertained that this probability was as one million million million to one1 in its favor4--,,lockyer4 ,,addendum4 ,the great ,solar ,cone-space1 in order to be clearly marked to the eye1 was represented in ,plate ,i1 page #cj1 as white4 ,this to some readers may be misleading2 as this space when viewed transversely is not luminous1--it is not even visible4 7,pl4 ,v47 ,illustration3 ,pl4 ,v4 ,solar ,cone1 ,or ,cone-,space4 ,outside of the atmospheric envelope of all spheres1 there is only the black of infinite space4,e ,retro-action between the earth and visible and invisible spheres1 gives to the earth the light which it possesses during the night-season4 ,,footnotes3 ,e ,flammarian4 ,transcriber's ,notes ,the following typographical corrections have been made3 ,page x3 ,heat without combustion--,inter-currentsoriginal had no hyphen2 changed to match page #de1 to which it refers ,page #fj3 back and forth to maintain ancomma removed equilibrium4 ,page #fd3 quotation mark removed,the course of a balloonist ,page #ajb3 quotation mark added,these clouds sometimes range themselves ,page #ajg3 quotation mark added,the overwhelming probability of a common cause ,the following inconsistent hyphenation is as printed3 ,page #db3 just such a retro-acting inter-communication4 ,page #gb3 might interfere with the intercommunication of light