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ON THE ELECTRICAL THEORY OF THE UNIVERSE.

electricities are distinguished from each other by the character of the bases with which they are combined. It assumes,

1st. That there exists in all bodies a subtle homogenous fluid called the electric fluid.

2nd. That there are two secondary fluids, which may be termed the vitreous and resinous bases with which the electric fluid is found at all times to exist in combination.

3rd. If a cylinder of smooth glass is excited by friction, electricity is obtained in combination with the vitreous base.

4th. If a cylinder of sealing-wax is excited, electricity is obtained in combination with the resinous base.

5th. Two bodies charged with the vitreous compound repel each other.

6th. Two bodies charged with the resinous compound repel each other.

7th. Two bodies, the one charged with the vitreous and the other with the resinous compound, attract each other.

The experiments from which the above were deduced, were conducted upon a scale too limited to entitle them to implicit acceptation, although the indications were as decided as could be anticipated from the nature of the subject, so far as they were prosecuted. They will probably be resumed at an early opportunity, when the details will be laid before the readers of the Mechanics' Magazine. Proceeding upon the above data, the following conclusions were deduced with respect to the theory of the universe.

That in consequence of galvanic action operating universally within the earth, a continuous stream of electricity, in combination with the resinous base, is evolved and given out through the pointed extremities of vegetables, and from the surface generally, its intensity varying at different seasons and from different natural causes. That this stream is taken up by, and finds a conductor in, an opposite current of electricity, in combination with the vitreous base that is continuously issuing from the sun; and that, in all probability, light is merely an effect produced by an infinity of coruscations generated by the rapid transmission of the currents through each other. The diverging rays of the two currents being refracted by their mutual attractions, according to the knowu laws of electricity, are thereby concentrated, and cause an accumulated supply of light in the earth's immediate vicinity.

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and that to this concentration of light the silvery shining appearance of the moon and planets is principally to be attributed. That in operating the vegetative and other processes, in which its influence is essential, the vitreous base of the solar current is fixed, and the electric fluid being disengaged, instantly combines with a portion of the resinous base which has been necessarily converted from a latent to an active state at the same time, and thus the attractive and repulsive conditions of the electric fluid being reversed, it is again attracted towards the sun from whence it has been derived. In this manner, by the reciprocal interchange of the two bases, the earth is slowly and gradually undergo ing a transmutation in her electrical properties and conditions, by which the repulsive force between the sun and earth is weakened, and the latter consequently drawn nearer to the centre ; thus, by the action of the two currents, a stimulating and salutary circulation is kept up throughout the solar system, upon the activity of which the fructifying power of different seasons principally depend, and thus also is the earth relieved of a fluid as the animal body is relieved of the insensible perspiration, which, having effected the purposes for which it was destined in the vegetable and mineral kingdoms, would, if retained, produce stagnation and derangement throughout the whole economy of the earth.

To enter into all the arguments and analogies that seem to reflect credibility on the foregoing conclusions, would fill a volume. We must therefore, at present, content ourselves with presenting a few instances from which they appear to derive support.

That light is essential to vegetation, is known to us as a matter of fact, and that the shoots and leaves of vegetables are invariably attracted towards the sun, is equally well established by the experience of every individual whose botanical knowledge is of sufficient extent to enable him to plant and rear a geranium or a rose in his parlour window. Vegetables which have been reared in the open air will fade and become pale in a few hours if deprived of the light of the sun, and will eventually perish, whatever care may be taken to preserve them. It is also known, that solar light favours the assimilation of carbonic acid in vegetables, and aids, in an essential manner, th

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ON THE ELECTRICAL THEORY OF THE UNIVERSE.

formation of the aromatic and volatile principles, and is so essentially necessary to flowering and fructification, that ripe seeds have never been obtained from plants excluded from its influence. In proof of the connexion between electricity and vegetation, the reader is referred to the papers of Mr. Pine, which will be found in 639, 669, and other Numbers of the Mechanics' Magazine. Some of Mr. Pine's experiments appear to possess all the certainty of mathematical demonstration.

That light emanates from the sun, thereby forming a material connexion between the earth and that body, is admitted. It therefore remains to trace the connexion between light and electricity. It has been observed, that "electrical light differs in no respect from light obtained from other sources. Dr. Wollaston found, that when observed through a prism, the ordinary colours, arising from the decomposition of light, are obtained; but the prevailing tint of colour will vary according to the different substances through which the sparks pass, or to the nature of the surface from which they emanate, or by which they are received. Dr. Brewster found that it is capable of undergoing polarisation, either by transmission through a doubly refracting crystal, by reflection at the proper polarising angle from a polished plain surface, or by oblique refraction through a series of glass plates." That light, possessing all the characteristics of solar light, may be obtained by the action of two opposing currents of electricity, has been verified by experiment with the galvanic battery. "The most splendid exhibition of electric light is that obtained by placing pieces of charcoal shaped like a pencil at the ends of the two wires in the interrupted circuit, and bringing their points into contact. When the experiment was tried with the powerful battery of the Royal Institution, a bright spark passed between the two points of charcoal, and immediately afterwards more than half of each pencil became ignited to whiteness. By withdrawing the points from each other, a constant discharge took place through the heated air in a space equal to at least four inches, forming an arch of light in the form of a double cone of considerable breadth, and of the most dazzling brilliancy. The light obtained by voltaic electricity, in the manner now described,

exceeds in intensity any other that art can produce. It often exhibits in succession a variety of the prismatic colours, and supplies some of the rays which are deficient in the solar beams. It is a light which so nearly emulates the brightness of the sun's rays, as to be applicable for the purpose of illuminating objects in a solar microscope."

Those readers who may feel desirous of pursuing the subject, are referred to an article in Chambers's Edinburgh Journal, No. 208, on electricity, as connected with light, heat, galvanism, and magnetism, which will be found well worthy perusal. The silvery shining aspect of the moon and planets strongly supports that view which supposes light to be generated by the action of two opposing currents passing between the sun and planetary bodies; if we suppose that light is not generated in this manner, but issues from the sun in full possession of all its illuminating properties, we might expect that some traces of a luminous nature would be seen in the vault of heaven through an unclouded atmosphere, even in the darkest nights of winter. We know that such is not the case, but at those times we may see the planets shining with a brilliancy so clear and translucent, that we cannot conceive it to result from the reflection of the sun's rays from mere earthy matter. Astronomers have been much perplexed in their endeavours to explain the cause of the brilliant appearance of the moon and planets, and it is presumed, that by adopting the hypothesis, which suppose the production of light by the action of two electrical currents between the sun and planets, much of the difficulty would be obviated.

With regard to the phenomena of the thunder-storm, and the electrical conditions of the atmosphere, the explanations given are the most confused and unsatisfactory that can be imagined: one author informs us, 66 that the peculiar matter known under the form of electric fluid seems to pervade all nature, it constantly seeks an equal distribution, and some bodies conduct it with more facility than others. Of this remarkable fluid the earth is the great reservoir, and when an equilibrium exists between it and atmospherical bodies, no sensible phenomena takes place; water is a better conductor than air, for which reason, during a thick fog, when the earth is surcharged with electrical matter, the electricity is con

ON THE ELECTRICAL THEORY OF THE UNIVERSE.

ducted away without any sensible effects, but if the air remain dry, as it often is during the summer and autumn months, then the fluid, instead of being conducted gently, forces itself through the intervening space to the ATTRACTING BODY, and produces loud explosions." By another, and not unfrequently by the same author, we are told, "that clouds are attracted by mountains. Every cloud is charged with more or less electricity, and the mountains which rise high in the atmosphere act as attractions. When the cloud approaches, being in an opposite electrical state, the mountain abstracts from it a portion of its electric fluid, in consequence of which the watery vesicles collapse and fall in rain drops." The explanations given of the other phenomena connected with the thunder-storm, are equally confused and contradictory; but we cannot at present stop to examine them, and those given above are sufficient for our present purpose. Now if it be really the case, that electricity forces itself up through the atmosphere, produc-. ing loud explosions, we are compelled to adopt the conclusion, that that portion of the fluid is repelled from the earth, and cannot conceive how the same portion of the fluid can be again attracted towards the earth, unless we suppose that the attractive and repulsive forces have been reversed during its combinations with the atmosphere. The same reasoning applies to that portion which is attracted towards the earth. We cannot imagine how it found its way into the clouds. But if we adopt the hypothesis of the two currents, these contradictory statements, which are probably both correct, may be at once reconciled. When the vitreous fluid is redundant, it will force a passage downwards and upwards when the resinous is redundant. It has been observed, that thunder is more frequent during the latter months of summer and in the autumn, which Mr. Pine accounts for by supposing that the vegetative process of the season being perfected, and the earth saturated with the solar fluid, the electricity not finding a free passage, is accumulated in the atmosphere until it has acquired sufficient power to force a passage; and illustrates and supports his opinion, by showing that vegetable points will draw sparks from the prime conductor at a much greater distance in the spring than in the autumn season.

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If we admit that galvanic action is constantly fixing the vitreous or solar base, and liberating the resinous or terrestrial base, the earth's rotary motion follows with as much certainty as the rotation of a wheel loaded with water upon one side and with air on the other. That part of the earth and atmosphere which is setting to the sun being surcharged with the solar base, yet in an active state, is repelled, whilst the part which is rising being surcharged with the terrestrial base in a similarly active state, is attracted; the aggregate quantity of fluid, with which the whole earth is charged, fulfilling the conditions of a fulcrum or pivot to the revolving body. Again, the galvanic action, which is undoubtedly operating within the earth, must, as in all ordinary cases where that action is excited, be constantly tending to a final determination; and, like all other known powers, exhausting itself by its own action, and in proportion, as the action becomes weaker, the vegetating principle becomes weaker, the earth's capacity to absorb the solar fluid becomes weaker, and she is drawn towards the centre of attraction as certainly as a heavy body is attracted down an inclined plane.

It may be proper, however, to remark, that these views are advanced merely hypothetically, that no merit is claimed beyond that of fairly stating the question according to the views entertained. They are presumed to be original in some of their leading features, but are by no means so with regard to the general suspicion of electricity being the primary agent employed in operating the grand purposes of nature. The following in telligent and talented individuals may be referred to among others who have entertained suspicions of a similar character: Dr. Hutton, in his "Mathematical Dictionary," art. Electricity; Dr. Darwin, Dr. Thompson, Mr. Pine, and Colonel Macerone. It may be asked for what purpose was so tremendously powerful an agent as electricity instituted among the elements of nature, or what adequate effects have as yet been by men assigned to its operations. Will it be contended that the Creator, who has made nothing in vain, has not destined it to consummate effects corresponding with the vastness of its power and the unlimited extent of its influence? In every process of nature, with the operation of which

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IMPROVEMENTS UPON THE HYDRO-OXYGEN MICROSCOPE.

we are acquainted, we find the means nicely adjusted to the end, the cause and effect adequate to each other; and shall we suppose that so vast a power has not effects of a corresponding magnitude to produce; or was this great power instituted for the mere object of amusing philosophical experimenters? In short, to assert that this element is not deputed to operate effects commensurate with its greatness, is to accuse the Creator of imbecility.

Zeta affects to sneer at the hint incidentally thrown out, that Newton should have failed in not tracing the cause of motion to the all-pervading power of electricity. It must be borne in mind, that the doctrine of universal gravitation has been considered by men whose judg ments are not to be contemned, as nothing more than a plausible hypothesis, to which they object, "If the centrifugal force alone keeps the moon from approaching the earth, by what force is the earth kept from approaching the moon? And, on the same principle, if the centrifugal force restrains the earth, and prevents her from approaching the sun, what force prevents the sun from approaching the earth, especially when the planets are in conjunction, at which time their united attractions, on the principle of universal gravitation, must draw the sun from the centre and derange the whole system ?" In its application to the tides they conceive that they have dis. covered a paradox, and say, "If we admit that the moon's attraction produces a tide by drawing the surface of the ocean nearer to herself, we cannot understand how this drawing power should cause the surface of the ocean to recede from the moon upon the opposite side of the earth at the same time." With respect to the law, that “if a body be in motion it will continue to move uniformly forward in a right line, if it be not disturbed by the action of some external cause," it is objected that this law, so far from having been demonstrated, is not even capable of demonstration when applied to explain the motions of the heavenly bodies, since no measure of the external resistance can be obtained; that although it may hold when abstractedly considered, abstract principles have not nor ought to have any place in natural philosophy.

Hoping that these observations may be useful, by placing the "Electrical Theory

of the Universe" in a more clear and
correct point of view,

I remain, Sir,
Your obedient servant,

T. S. MACKINTOSH.

IMPROVEMENTS UPON THE HYDRO-
OXYGEN MICROSCOPE.

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Sir, In throwing the flame upon the lime in the hydro-oxygen microscope, it is found that deep cavities are formed in it by the violence of the flame, and that it is requisite to move it to cause the fire to act upon another part, otherwise the light becomes dull and the large lenses endangered. This at present (or was till last year, when I directed the maker to cause it to revolve and rise,) is moved by hand, which is inconvenient in several respects; first, if a hole is made, the radiant point of the lens is altered, and perfect distinctness is gone: the object glasses are endangered, and in opening the door to adjust the lime, a light is thrown into the room. Moreover, one of the cylinders of lime will only last one exhibition, whereas, by being turned regularly, it would do for several. The improvement consists in causing the lime to revolve regularly and slowly, and, at the same time, rise gradually, whereby the same part never comes under the action of the flame twice.

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