In previous chapters we have seen that the phenomena of Radiant Energy, known as Light, Heat, Magnetism and Electricity, had their origin in the Motion of the Particles, the different cla.s.ses of phenomena depending upon the particular degree and nature of the aforesaid Motion of Particles.

We have seen also that Radiant Energy could be communicated or transmitted from one body of Substance to another. And that the communication of transmission might be accomplished not only by close contact of the bodies, but by "waves" of some sort which were caused in some "medium" (the Ether) by the vibrations of the Particles of the body, and which "waves," when they reached the other body, were transformed into vibrations of the Particles corresponding to those manifested in the first body. The idea has been ill.u.s.trated by the sending telephone, the sound waves in the diaphragm of which were transformed into waves of the Electric current, and thus pa.s.sing along the wires were transformed again into sound-waves by the diaphragm of the receiving instrument.

We have seen, also in the preceding chapter, that the medium by which these vibrations were transferred, transmitted, or communicated, might be supposed to be Mind, the operation being akin to Thought-transference. Now let us examine into the workings of the matter.

In the first place, we a.s.sume a certain state of vibration, existing in a certain body of Substance--Heat, or Electricity for instance (either ill.u.s.tration will answer.) Another body of Substance is brought in close contact with the first body, and the vibrations of Energy pa.s.s on to the second, not by "waves" but by a seeming actual pa.s.sing of vibrations without the need of intervening "waves." This, Science calls transmission by Conduction, the theory being that the particles rapidly "pa.s.s on" the vibrations from one to another. Convection or conduction along other forms of Substance, such as hot-air, hot-water-steam, etc., is but a variation of the above, as Substance is the medium in both cases. The third form of transmission is by Radiation, whereby the vibrations are transmitted by "waves" in some medium other than Substance (according to the theory), as we have described in a preceding paragraph, as well as in previous chapters. As a matter of fact, a careful a.n.a.lysis of the matter will show that even in the "Conduction" of the most solid Substance, there must be a "_medium not Substance_" between the Particles of the Substance, _for the Particles always have s.p.a.ce between them_--this being true of the Particles of Air, as well as those of Iron. _So there is always s.p.a.ce to be traversed by a "medium not Substance."_ But we need not stop to split-hairs regarding this question, for the general explanation will explain this also.

Now, to get back to our body of Substance vibrating with Radiant Energy, separated from a second body of Substance by a great distance--thousands of miles in fact--millions would be better--let us take two worlds, for instance--the Sun and the Earth. Ignoring for the moment the explanation of Gravitations (which will be given later) and realizing that there _is no medium of Substance_ existing between the two bodies, we must grant that there is a "_medium not Substance_" existing between them, either permanently or thrown out for the purpose of this special transmission.

We shall a.s.sume a medium existing before the need of the transmission (for reasons to be seen later.) Our Theory of Dynamic Thought, and Thought-Transference between bodies of Substance, compels us to suppose that this medium _is a Mental Connection, or Mental Relation, existing between the two bodies of Substance_. So, we must consider the question of this medium of Mind transmitting the vibrations of Radiant Energy from the Sun to the Earth. How can Mind conduct Radiant Energy? _It does not conduct Radiant Energy_, but it does _transmit_--not Radiant Energy--but the _Mental State that causes Radiant Energy Vibrations_.

This statement of a "Mental State causing Radiant Energy Vibrations"

seems rather startling at first sight--but let us examine it. We have seen that the Radiant Energy was caused by the Motion or Vibrations of the Particles, which Motion or Vibration was the result of the workings of the Law of Attraction, and which Law was but the manifestation of Vital-Mental Action. And, at the last, the Vibrations of Radiant Energy are the result of peculiar or particular "states" of the Life and Mind of the Particle. The word "State" is derived from the Latin word _Status_, meaning "position; standing," and is used generally in the sense of "condition."

This Mental State of the Particle may be described as a state of "_Emotional Excitement_." Let us pause a moment to consider the meaning of these words--it often helps us to understand a subject, if we examine the real meaning of the words defining it. "Emotion" is derived from the Latin word _Emotum_, meaning "to shake; to stir up"--the Latin word being made up of two other words, _i.e._, _E_, meaning "out"; and Motum, "to move." "Emotion" is defined as "a moving or excitement of the mind."

"Excitement" is derived from the Latin word _Excitare_, meaning "to move out"--the English word being defined as "a calling to Activity; state of Active feeling; aroused Activity." So you see that the idea of _Active Motion_, and _Aroused Activity_, of Mind, permeates the term "Emotional Excitement," that is used by the writer in connection with the Mental State causing vibration of the Particles of Substance. The single word, "Excitement," will be used by the writer, hereafter, in the above connection, in order to avoid complex terms. To those who still object to the use of a mental term in reference to motion of Substance, he might remark that Science makes use of the term--"Excite," and "Excitement"--in reference to Electrical phenomena, so that he is not altogether without support in the use of the word.

Now to return again to our body of Substance--the Sun--the Particles of which are manifesting a great degree of "Excitement," evidencing in Vibrations producing the phenomenon of Radiant Energy. The excitement is shared equally by its Particles, the "contagion" having spread among them. Even the Particles of its atmosphere are vibrating with Excitement, and evidencing Radiant Energy. The Sun is in direct Mental Connection with the Earth (as we shall see presently) and the Excitement is transmitted by Thought-Transference (along this Mental Connection) in the shape of Dynamic Thought-waves of Excitement. These waves have a rate of speed of 184,000 miles per second--why this particular rate, or any rate at all, is not apparent; it being very evident, however, that this particular kind of Mental Action--Excitement, or Thought--is not transmitted _instantaneously_ as is the Mental Quality known as Desire, resulting in Attraction, or Gravitation, which seems to be rather a Basic quality, rather than a temporary disturbance or emotional excitement. But the writer must not get ahead of his story.

The Excitement of the Particles of Substance composing the Sun is "contagious," and the Thought-waves travel along the Mental Connection, or medium, at a wonderful rate of speed. Soon they come in contact with the Mental Atmosphere of the Earth and the Excitement becomes manifest in Action, the Emotional Excitement being reproduced by the Particles of the Earth's Substance nearest the surface which vibrate and manifest the Radiant Energy in spite of themselves, for the tendency among Particles is to "settle down," and remain "calm," rather than to partic.i.p.ate in Emotional Excitement. They have acquired a normal and fixed rate of Vibration, or Mental State, after many years, gradually changing from a high state of Excitement, to a comparative calm state. And, their tendency and inclination is Conservative, and they are disposed to resent and repel Radical states of Excitement or Disturbance, coming from other less Conservative Bodies.

The above fact partially explains why the communicated Excitement manifests itself more strongly on the surface of the body "exposed" to the contagion of Excitement. The Conservative influence is always at work, and manages to absorb and equally distribute the Energy that is beating down upon it, without allowing it to penetrate very far. The Energy is used-up or absorbed, and neutralized by the lower vibrations of the Ma.s.s. The effort of the Energy coming from the sending Body is to "bring-up" the vibrations of the receiving body to the rate of the sender; while the effort of the receiving body is to resist this effort, and to reduce and "bring-down" the transmitted increased rate of vibration of the Particles immediately exposed to the contagion. In both cases the effort is toward "equalization" of the rate of vibrations.

This working of the law may be observed plainly in the case of Heat vibrations--the Energy seeming to wish to "bring-up" the vibrations or temperature of the second body, while the latter resists this effort, and strives to "bring-down" the vibrations or temperature of those Particles of itself that have "caught the Motion." The Energy is like a Radical Agitator who wishes to stir up an Excitement, leading to "a change," while the Body is like the Conservative element that prefers to "let well enough alone," and resists the stirring-up process, and exerts itself to restore quiet, and to maintain accustomed conditions.

The explanation of the phenomenon given in any work on Physics or Natural Philosophy will answer fairly well in the consideration of this Theory of Dynamic Thought, the only important change being required, being the subst.i.tution of "Thought-waves" for "Waves of the Ether" of Science. Science has described the "working operations," as might be expected from her years of careful study and examination. She has erred only in the Theory or Hypothesis advanced to account for the facts. Her "Ether" handed down by Aristotle, is admitted by her to be paradoxical and "unthinkable"--but she has had none other to subst.i.tute for it. She will probably sneer at the Dynamic Thought, and Thought-Transference theory advanced in this book--if indeed she takes the trouble to examine it. But sometime, from her own ranks--among her most advanced members--will arise a man who will claim that "All Force is Mental Force," and that "Transference of Energy is Thought Transference." And the Scientific World will accept the doctrine after it finds itself unable to fight it down--and it will give new names and terms to its workings. And it will proclaim loudly the "new" Truth. And this little book, and its writer will be ignored--but its work will go on. The writer although probably doomed to have himself and his theory laughed at by the ma.s.ses of people (whose children will accept the teachings of this book) does not feel discouraged by the prospect. He cares nothing for personal credit--the truth being the important thing. Like Galvini, (whose words appear on the t.i.tle page of this book) he may cry: "_I am attacked by two very opposite sects--the scientists and the know-nothings. Both laugh at me, calling me the 'Frog's Dancing Master,'

but I know that I have discovered one of the greatest Forces in Nature._" The ill.u.s.tration given above of the transmission of the Excitement of the Particles of the Sun to the Particles of the Earth, will answer equally well in the case of Light, Heat, Magnetism and Electricity. And it will answer in the case of the transmission of these Forces between Atoms, Molecules, and Ma.s.ses as well as between Worlds and Solar Systems. Any bodies subject to the Law of Attraction may and do, so transmit Vibrations. In our consideration of "The Riddle of the Sphinx," which forms the subject of the next chapter, we shall obtain further particulars of the workings of the Law.

The consideration of the facts and principles stated in this chapter brings us to a second Supplemental Proposition, which may be stated as follows:

SUPPLEMENTAL PROPOSITION II.--_The rates of vibration of the Particles of Substance may be likened to "Mental States"; and a high degree of the same may be called an "Excitement." This "Excitement" may be, and is, communicated from the Particles of the body manifesting it, to the Particles of other bodies--the medium of such communication being a Mental Connection or Mental Relation existing between the two bodies of Substance, without the employment of any material medium--and which Excitement, so communicated, reproduces in the second body the vibrations manifested in the first body, subject, always, to the counteracting efforts of the second body to maintain its accustomed, and former, rate of vibration, and Mental State._

CHAPTER XIII

THE RIDDLE OF THE SPHINX

It is with no light emotion, or jaunty air, that the writer approaches this part of his subject. On the contrary, he feels something like awe when he contemplates the nature of that great Something which he is called upon to attempt to "explain" in a few pages. He feels, in only a lighter degree, the emotion that one experiences when, in occasional moments, his mind leads to a contemplation of The Infinite. He feels that that which men mean when they say "Gravitation" and "The Ether,"

are but symbols and feeble concepts of Something so far above human experience that the Mind of Man may grasp only its lowest shadings, the greater and higher part of it, like the higher rays of the Spectrum, being hidden from the experience of Man.

In his endeavor to pa.s.s on to you his ideas regarding the Something that explains both Gravitation and the Ether, he must ask you to endeavor to form a Mental Picture of a "Something." This Something must fill all s.p.a.ce within the Limits of the Universe, or Cosmos--if limits it has.

It must be an expression of the first of the attributes of The Infinite--the one called Omnipresence, or Presence-everywhere--and _yet it must not be The Infinite Presence_. It also must be an expression of the second of the attributes of the Infinite--the one called Omnipotence, or All-Power--and _yet it must not be The Infinite Power_.

It also must be an expression of the third attribute of The Infinite--the one called Omniscience, or All-Knowing--and _yet it must not be The Infinite Wisdom_. It must be an expression of All the Attributes that _we think of_ as belonging to The Infinite--_and yet through them All we may see The Infinite, Itself, in the background, viewing its expressions_.

This Something that you are asked to think of is that Something regarding which the mystics have dreamed; the philosophers have speculated; the scientists have sneered and smiled--that Something that Men have thought of as The Universal Mind or the Cosmic Mind.

You are asked to think of this Something as a great Ocean of Pure Mind, permeating all s.p.a.ce--between Solar Systems--between Worlds--between Ma.s.ses of Substance--between the Molecules, Atoms, and Corpuscles. In and about and around everything--yes, even in Everything--in the very essence of the Corpuscle it is--in truth _it is that Essence itself_.

Bound up in the bosom of that Mighty Ocean of Mind must reside all Knowledge of the Universe--of all "this side of G.o.d." For that All-Knowledge is but a knowing of its own region. Latent within itself must be locked up all Energy, or capacity for Force or Motion, for all Force or Energy is Mental. In its very presence it exemplifies the capacity of filling All s.p.a.ce. Omnipresent; Omnipotent; Omniscient--all the attributes of The Infinite are manifested in it--_and yet it is but the outward expression of That-Behind-the-Veil, which is the Causeless Cause of All_.

In that Great Ocean of Universal or Cosmic Mind, bodies of Substance are but as floating specks of dust--_or even bubbles formed of the substance of that Ocean itself_--on the surface of that Ocean, there may arise waves, currents, ripples, eddies, whirlpools,--storms, hurricanes, tempests,--from its bosom may rise vapor, that after stages of clouds, rain-drops, flowing in streams, rivers, bays, at last again reach the source of its origin. These disturbances and changes we call Energy, Force, Motion--but they are but surface manifestations, and the Great Ocean is serene in its depths, and, in reality, is unchanged and undisturbed.

This, friends, is that which the writer asks you to accept in the place of Aristotle's Ether. Is it a worthy exchange?

We have seen that the Attraction of Gravitation was different from any other so-called form of Force and Energy--both in its operations and laws, as well as in its constancy and self-support. And that it was different from the other forms of Attraction such as Cohesion, Chemical Affinity, etc. And, so we must consider it as more than a mere "Emotional Excitement" in the Mind of the Particle--that bubble on the surface of the Ocean. And it must be different from the special forms of Attraction manifested by the Atom and Molecule. It must be a simpler, more basic, and yet a more constant and permanent thing. It must exist before and after "Excitement; Vibration; Cohesion; and Chemical Affinity." _It must be the Mother of the Forces._

Let us imagine the Cosmic Mind as a great body of Something filling s.p.a.ce, instead of as the surface of the Ocean, which figure we used just now--either figure is equally correct. This great Cosmic Mind is to be thought of as filling s.p.a.ce, and containing within its volume (Oh, for a better word!) countless worlds, and suns, as well as smaller bodies of Substance. These suns and world, and bodies are apparently free and unconnected, floating in this great volume of Mind. But they are not free and unconnected--they are linked together by a web of lines of Gravitation. Each body of Substance has a line reaching out in a continuous direction, and connecting it with another body. Each body has one of such lines connecting it with _each_ particular "other body."

Consequently, each body has countless lines reaching out from it; some slender, and some thick,--the thickness depending upon the ratio of distances maintained by, and relative sizes of, the particular bodies that it connects. This system of "lines" form a great net-work of connections in the volume of Mind, crossing each other at countless points (but not interfering with each other.) And although the number may be said to be "countless," still these lines do not begin to cover the entire dimensions of s.p.a.ce, or of the Mind that fills it. There are great areas of s.p.a.ce entirely untouched by these lines. If one could see the system of lines, it probably would appear as a sheared off section of a great spider's web, with lines in all directions, but with "plenty of room" between the lines. _Perhaps these lines converge to a common centre, and that centre may be----!_ But this is transcendental dreaming--let us proceed with our consideration of the use of these lines.

It is to be understood, of course, that these "lines" _are not material_ lines--not made of Substance--but rather, "conditions" in the Cosmic Mind. Not Thought-waves arising from the Excitement of Particles, but Something more basic, simpler, and more permanent. Let us look closer and we will see that the great lines of Gravitation radiating from, and connecting world with world--sun with planet--are really cables composed of much smaller lines, the finest strands of which are seen to emanate from each Corpuscle or Particle of Substance--the "line" of Gravitation reaching from the Earth to the Sun being composed of a ma.s.s of tiny strands which connect each Particle of one body with each Particle of the other. The last a.n.a.lysis shows us that _each Particle is connected with every other Particle in the Universe by a line of Attraction_.

_These "Lines of Attraction" are what we call Gravitation_--purely Mental in nature--Lines of Mind-Principle in the great volume of mind.

These lines of Gravitation must have existed from the creation of the Particle, and the connection between Particle and Particles must have existed from the beginning, if beginning there was. The Particles may have changed their positions and relations in the Universe, but the lines have never been broken. Whether the Particle existed as a free Corpuscle--whether combined as Atom or Molecule--whether part of this world or sun or planet, or that one countless millions of miles removed--it mattered not. The Line of Gravitation always was there, between that Particle and every other Particle. Distance extended and thinned the line, or the reverse, as the case might be--but it was there, always. Obstacles proved no hindrance to pa.s.sage, for the lines pa.s.sed through the obstacle. Can it not be seen that here is the secret of the fact that no "time" is required for the pa.s.sage of Gravitation--it apparently traveling instantaneously, whereas, in fact, it does not "travel" at all. And does not seem that this theory also explains why no medium is required for the "travel" of Gravitation? And does it not explain why Gravitation is not affected in its "pa.s.sage" by intervening bodies? Gravitation does not "travel" or "pa.s.s"--it remains constant, and ever present between the articles, varying in degree as the distance between the Particles is increased, and _vice-versa_; and increasing and decreasing in effect, according to the number of Particles combining their lines of Attraction, as in the case of Atom, Molecule, Ma.s.s, World. Gravitation is a Mental Connection or Bond uniting the Mind in the several Particles, rather than their Substance or Material.

Along these lines of Gravitation pa.s.s the "Thought-waves," resulting from the Excitement of the Particles--these fleeting, changing, inconstant waves of Emotion--how different they are from the changeless, constant exhibition of Gravitation. And along these same lines--when shortened by close contact, travel the impulses of Cohesion and Chemical Affinity. Gravitation not only performs its own work, but also acts as a "common-carrier" for the waves of Desire-Force, and the Thought-waves of Excitement of the Particles, manifesting as Attractive Energy, and Radiant Energy, respectively.

The writer asks you to remember, particularly, that while the Desire-waves of the Particles,--and their Thought-waves of Excitement--are changeable, disconnected, and inconstant; the Line of Gravitation is never broken, and could not be unless the Particle of Substance was swept out of existence, in which case the balance of the Universe would be overturned, and chaos would result. The Divine Plan is perfect to the finest detail--every Particle is needed--is known--is counted--and used in the Plan. And Gravitation is the plainest evidence of the REALITY of The Infinite that is afforded us. _In it we see the actual machinery of The Infinite._ No wonder that great thinkers have bowed their heads reverently before its Power and Awfulness, when their minds have finally grasped its import. Verily the sparrow's fall is noted, and known, as the Biblical writer has recorded, for the fall is in obedience to that great Law that holds the Particles in their places--that makes possible the whirl of worlds, and the existence of Solar Systems--that, indeed, makes possible the Forms of Life as we know them--that Something that forever and ever has, and will, silently, ceaselessly, untiringly, and without emotion, fulfilled its work and destiny--GRAVITATION.

The Theory of Dynamic Thought also holds that in addition to the existence of the Cosmic Mind, or Ocean of Mind-principle--and the Lines of Attraction that run through it, each particle has its Mental Atmosphere, or Aura. The Aura is an Atmosphere of Mind that surrounds the Particle--and also the larger bodies--and also living forms higher in the scale. This Aura is merely an extension of the bit of Mind that is segregated or apparently separated from the Cosmic Mind, for use by the individual Particle, Ma.s.s, or Creature. Through, and by means of this Aura the Particle takes cognizance of the approach and nature of the other Particles in its vicinity. The same rule holds good in the case of the Creatures, including Man, as we shall see in a later chapter. The fact is mentioned here, merely in order to connect the several manifestation of Mental Phenomena mentioned in the several parts of this book.

Some may object to the Theory of the Lines of Gravitation being the only "carriers" of the Energy of the Sun, as being contrary to the conception of Science that the Sun radiates Energy _in all directions equally_, just as does a piece of hot iron, or a lamp. Answering this objection, the writer would say that there is a decided difference in the two cases. The iron or lamp radiates its heat and light to the particles of the surrounding air and other Substance in close distance, the "lines"

being very close together,--so close in fact that they seem to be continuous and having no s.p.a.ce between them, at least no s.p.a.ce sufficiently large to be detected by the eye of Man, or his instruments.

But with the Sun the case is different, for the distances are greater and the lines spread apart as the distance is increased. Draw a diagram of many fine rays emanating from a central point, and you will have the idea at once. If s.p.a.ce were filled with Substance, just as is the Atmosphere of the Earth--the Air, is meant of course--then indeed would the lines practically be joined together, but as s.p.a.ce between the worlds is almost devoid of Substance, the lines between the Sun and the other worlds, and planets, spread out rapidly as the distance from the Sun increases.

To show how this objection is really an additional proof of the Theory the writer begs to call your attention to the fact that according to the calculations of the physicists in Science, the Sun's energy would have been exhausted in 20,000,000 years, granting that it was dispersed equally in all directions during that time. But, _note this_, Science in its other branches, namely in Geology, etc., holds that the Sun already has been throwing out energy for 500,000,000 or more years, and seems able to stand the strain for many millions of years more. Thus Science is arrayed against Science. Does not this Theory harmonize the two, by showing that the Sun does _not_ emanate Energy in _all_ directions, equally, and at all times--but, on the contrary radiates Energy _only along the lines of Gravitation, and in proportion to the relative distances and sizes of the bodies to whom such Energy is radiated_?

The writer need scarcely state that in the short s.p.a.ce at his disposal, in the pages of this book, he has been able merely to outline his Theory of Dynamic Force, as applied to the Inorganic World. The patience of the average reader has limits--and he must pa.s.s on to other features of the workings of the theory, namely the Mental Life of Man, in which the same laws are manifested. But, he feels that those interested in the phases of the subject touched upon, may explain for themselves the missing details by reference to the teachings of Modern Science on the subjects of Physics, remembering, _always_, to subst.i.tute the Theory of Dynamic Thought for the "Ether" theory that Modern Science borrows from Aristotle as a temporary "makeshift." The writer believes that this Theory will account for many of the missing links in Physics--a broad statement, he knows, and one either extremely impudent or superbly confident, according to the view-point of the critic.

The writer may be able to throw a little additional light, probably, upon the question of the relation between Gravitation, and the Excitement-waves of Radiant Energy. Without attempting to go into details, he wishes to suggest that in view of the fact that the Particles are connected by the "Lines of Gravitation," any great, extended, and rapid disturbance of a number of Particles would cause a series of undulating or wave-like movements in the "lines," which might be spoken of as waves of "Agitation or Unrest" in the Lines of Gravitation. This Agitation, or Unrest, of course, would be thus communicated to all other Particles toward whom lines extended, the intensity or effect of such Agitation or Unrest depending upon the relative distances, and the number of Particles involved. We may easily imagine how the intense and high rate of vibration among the Particles of the Sun, manifesting as intense Heat, would cause a like high degree of Agitation or Unrest among the Lines of Gravitation--the "lines"

dancing backward and forward; around and about; following the movements of the Particles, and thus producing "waves" of Gravitational Agitation and Unrest, which when communicated to the Particles of the Earth, would produce a similar Excitement among the Particles of the latter. In the same way the "Sun-spots," and consequent terrestial electrical disturbance may be explained.

While not absolutely tying himself to this particular conception of the details of the workings of the law, the writer feels free to say that he considers it a very reasonable idea, and one that in all probability will be found to come nearer to explaining the phenomena, than any other hypothesis. It certainly coincides with the "undulatory wave" theory of Science. The idea is but crudely expressed here, for lack of s.p.a.ce, it being impossible to attempt to go into details--the mere mention of general principles being all that is possible at this time and place.

And now, for a few additional words on the subject of our theory that in place of the hypothetical Ether of Science--a Substance that is not Substance--there exists a great Ocean of Cosmic Mind. The idea is not without coroborative proof in the direction of the thought of advanced thinkers even among the ranks of Science.