_Mistaken Conceptions._

The claim of many scientists that spot periods may be calculated, and cla.s.sified, possesses no element even of probability, much less of fact, to sustain the supposition. The evanescent character of many of these spots places them beyond the sphere of statistical calculation.

_May not be Tabulated._

Not even concerted and systematic investigation can insure reliable conclusions, for persons separated by even inconsiderable distances would not always observe precisely the same spot manifestations.

Moreover, the spots appear and vanish so quickly that no correct estimate can be made at any single locality. As well attempt to map and chart the aurora borealis.

_Unbia.s.sed Estimate of their Character and Location._

SCHEINER was one of the first who ever observed these spots through a telescope, and was therefore uncontrolled by theories in his estimate of their character and location. He held it "impossible that they could be on the sun itself," and imagined some of them to be "as far from the sun, as the moon, Venus, or Mercury."

CHAPTER XI.

SOUND.

_Essential Character and Medium of Transmission._

Sounds are products of vito-magnetic conditions and changes. They result from action or force expended upon the vito-magnetic element of the atmosphere. If such action or force be directly expended upon the air, or, more accurately, upon this vito-magnetic const.i.tuent of the air, it is propagated in accordance with the laws that govern the transmission of the vito-magnetic or electrical fluid through the air. If it be expended upon a lengthened wire, then, as sound, it is transmitted according to the laws of magnetic transmission through wire.

The recent experiments in connection with the telephone have demonstrated the fact that sound may be communicated through hundreds of miles of s.p.a.ce without occupying any appreciable length of time--in this respect being precisely like the ordinary action of the magnetic current. It is most philosophical therefore to conclude that it is the same element that is concerned in both instances. 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 communication, which is in either case the vito-magnetic fluid; but that in the former the normal fluid is affected simply, while in the latter an artificial and extraordinary amount of fluid is induced so as to produce strong magnetic effects. In the telephone wire we have an _affection_ of the fluid; in the telegraphic wire a _pulsation_, so to speak.

In the production of sound, _vibrations_ (erroneously called _waves_), have an important agency, but _they have no act or part in its conveyance_.

The varying intensities of sound, and the distance to which it reaches, are in direct ratio with the kind of force applied in its production, the character of the resistance offered and the medium of communication employed.

CHAPTER XII.

SOME OF THE RESULTS OF THE FOREGOING THEORIES.

The theories thus a.s.serted may be regarded as exceedingly radical in their character. Their influence may not be fully estimated. Marvellous in extent are the ramifications which proceed from these sources, and few are the subjects of human thought and investigation which will not be, to a greater or less degree, affected by their influence.

New channels of thought and investigation will be opened, and old theories which now have the confidence of great minds and great numbers, will quietly sink into oblivion.

The blank astonishment and incredulity with which these theories will be received, will soon be followed by acceptance, and the world will wonder why these things have been so long delayed.

If these theories be true, among the foremost and withal the most mischievous of the old theories which will fall, will be that figment of the imagination--the _Nebular Hypothesis_.[14] How strangely, and how strongly, has that hypothesis maintained its ground, _even after nebulous ma.s.ses have been resolved into cl.u.s.ters of stars_. If gravity be the result of retro-acting forces, there could be no element of attraction in the flimsy gaseous particles whereby they might be drawn together. If gravity be the result of retro-acting forces, then must those forces have their existence somewhere. 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 spheres? A starting-point is lacking.

If these theories be true, the sun is formed like unto the earth, and is cool, non-luminous, and habitable. Incandescence not being the condition of the sun or its surroundings; exhausted worlds, worn out asteroids, and stray comets and meteors are not required to keep up external fires.

If, therefore, incandescence be _not_ a condition of the sun's surroundings, then surely there may be _no_ glowing metallic vapors, _no_ hydrogen, _no_ iron, _no_ sodium, _no_ magnesium, _no_ oxygen; those const.i.tuents of the sun envelope, so graphically described by the spectroscopists of the present day.

The origin of _celestial_ spectroscopy was as vague and unphilosophical as was that of the nebular hypothesis. FRAUENHOFER and KIRCHHOFF _imagined_ certain things, and straightway a great theory sprang into existence.[15]

Verily the "Scientific use of the Imagination" too often leads men into the grossest errors.

If these theories be true, we may hereafter ignore all undulatory processes. Time may no longer be estimated in noting the transmission of light and heat, since, like gravity, each acts instantaneously. _If the most distant fixed star which is visible could be annihilated to-night, its light would be seen no more forever._

If these theories be true, the recent marvels of the age, the telephone, phonograph, and their fast-multiplying brood find a satisfactory and philosophical explanation.

If these theories be true, the boast of the Atheist, that G.o.d is wasteful and a bungler, in that he wastefully scatters his sunlight, and sun-heat, in all directions into s.p.a.ce, is set at naught. Nature has been misinterpreted. _No sunlight nor sun-heat is disclosed, except in the direction of other spheres._

These theories throw new light upon the character and extent of the atmosphere of the moon and planets, and the consequent availability of those and other spheres for sustaining life. The extent of the atmosphere of each celestial body may be presumed to be proportionate to our own. a.n.a.logy would therefore teach us that those bodies, also our sun, and other suns, are the abodes of intelligent beings.

If these theories be true, heat may no longer be regarded as actual motion among the particles of heated matter, neither may we longer imagine the existence of hypothetical upper trade winds.

If these theories be true, the part which has ever been attributed to the sun as originator and dispenser of light and heat, has been overestimated. Every sphere contains within its enclosure the source from which its own supply is derived;--a veritable storehouse, which at one and the same time yields and governs its requisite supply. _The earth receives what is due to it, in the interchange constantly taking place_; and not an amount which the sun may fitfully dole out.

In the character of the winds, and atmosphere as disclosed, what revelations! What floods of light will thus be thrown upon subjects now mysterious!

FOOTNOTES:

[14] Appendix, p. 106.

[15] Appendix, p. 106.

CHAPTER XIII.

THE DIRECT INFLUENCE OF THESE FORCES AS CAUSATION OF DISEASE.

In its bearings upon the systemic conditions which we term health and disease, this mysterious vito-magnetic fluid is of the highest import.

This great principle which fills the earth and all spheres, and governs and binds them together--this great principle which is the source of all life, animate and inanimate--this principle dominates in every vital system, from man down through and beyond the microscopic forms of existence.

The normal action of this principle in every part of the human system const.i.tutes _health_; its abnormal action, _disease_; its interruption, _death_.

The human system is thus a delicately organized and exceedingly sensitive vito-magnetic machine, and is virtually kept in action through the operation of this principle. Any condition, therefore, which may directly or indirectly influence or disturb this principle, may influence or disturb the actions of every human organization.

In the search for causes of disease throughout the ages, this field, so fruitful in material, has been left almost unexplored. The disclosures of the early future will wonderfully change the sentiments entertained in regard to the cause of a large proportion of our diseases.

Meteorological influence, although now comparatively ignored as a disease-producing power, will ere long be recognized not only as _a_ power, but as _the_ power, far overshadowing all other influences combined.

The character and extent of these influences are scarcely imagined. In estimating them the attention of the profession is now mainly directed to thermometric and hygrometric changes and conditions. These form not the largest proportion of the perturbing influences constantly in operation around us.