_Well understood Processes in Confirmation._

The suggestion of a simple, adequate, and perfect theory is given us by an ordinary electro-magnetic battery. Let the conducting wire from such a battery extend half around the circ.u.mference of this globe. It is apparently as quiet and dormant as is our earth; yet in those cold plates, solutions, and wire, there lie the hidden elements of heat, light, and power. At the distant extremity of the wire, when not connected with the earth, we may have none of the manifestations of heat, light, or attraction--even though the plates are put into the solution. But let us now make the connection between the extremity of the wire and the earth, _then_ the circuit is complete, and heat, light, and attraction are disclosed in highest degree.

Now from the _Great Sun Battery_,[10] in which we locate the one _Great Universal Force: Newton's "Higher and Still Unknown Force,"_ every one recognizes a current constantly present, setting towards the earth.

That current is recognized as bringing us our light and heat. But without a _retro_-current, should we have a circuit complete? Should we have any of these phenomena?

_Heat without Combustion._

Neither _in_ the battery nor _near_ the battery do the phenomena manifest themselves. Though the developer of light, heat, and power, the battery itself is neither luminous, hot, nor magnetic. "To explain the effects of the sun, therefore, there is not the least reason to infer that it is itself luminous, or even warm. Potential action generated in a dark, cold body, may produce great heat and light, at a distance from the seat of activity; 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 sun_."

_Inter-currents._

It is now well known that a number of currents may pa.s.s in each direction, at the same time, over one and the same telegraph wire; and in like manner, great solar currents may pa.s.s to and fro without interference.

_Solution of the Problem._

Sun-heat, therefore, like sunlight and gravity, is a veritable production, yet it is not due to the process of combustion. It is not dependent for its creation upon the destruction of fabulous quant.i.ties of substantial materials. _The rather does it originate in, and is it disseminated through the vast energies of spheres retro-acting upon spheres throughout the whole universe of matter._

FOOTNOTES:

[6] Appendix, p. 99.

[7] Appendix, p. 100.

[8] Appendix, p. 100.

[9] Appendix, p. 101.

[10] Appendix, p. 102.

[C] In the motions of the spheres through s.p.a.ce, unlike all other forms of motion, there is no element of resistance. This form of motion is therefore incapable of developing _vis viva_.

CHAPTER VI.

THE SEASONS.

_Why their varying Temperature?_

The usual explanation of these phenomena, _i. e._, the influence of direct and oblique sun-rays, has ever seemed insufficient and unsatisfactory; 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 body.

A philosophy more exact and consistent may be found in the development of the theory already advanced, and which is ill.u.s.trated in the following plates.

_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 earth._--Pl. II. a.

Through this line the heat-producing functions of these great spheres are in operation in the highest degree.

[Ill.u.s.tration: Pl. II. SEASONS.--SUMMER.]

This line of magnetic, or heat activity, consequently varies with the earth's movements. On the 20th of June the flood of summer heat overspreads the northern portions of the earth; the sun thence apparently turns southward, and with its departure the relations of the line of heat activity change. The city of New York, which on the 20th of June is found nearest the centre of the solar current (Plate II. b), is, on the 21st of December, located at its greatest distance from the line of magnetic or heat intensity (Plate III. b), where the heat-producing forces are in operation in but low degree.

[Ill.u.s.tration: Pl. III. SEASONS.--WINTER.]

CHAPTER VII.

GRAVITY.

_Its Essential Nature, and its Source._

Gravity is not a separable ent.i.ty, not a power _per se_. It is but a production, and an operation, of the same retro-action between sun-core, and earth-core. This retro-action gives rise to a stupendous magnetic circuit, as described, in which both sun and earth become the embodiments of magnetic force, or, in other words, great magnets.[11]

The power thus developed is exercised in preserving the relative positions of the two bodies, and, on the part of the earth, as we know, in drawing unto itself all objects within its influence.

The same current, therefore, which lights up our earth, and which gives to it its requisite supply of heat, at the same time indues it with the power of attraction.

_Thus is engendered that power known as gravity, which has ever been acknowledged a profound mystery beyond the comprehension of man._

FOOTNOTES:

[11] Appendix, p. 102.

CHAPTER VIII.

THE ATMOSPHERE.

_A Veritable Ocean._

The great aerial ocean which we call the atmosphere (at the bottom of which we live, and move, and have our being), is even more vitally important than has ever been dreamed of in human philosophy.

_How Const.i.tuted._