New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1873-08-12

as the mere handiwork only, but as the very VISION
of the Almighty, fills our souls with the presence OF
SELF evident, Eternal Power. who is as near to our
hearts as He was to the soul of Elijah, and whose
glory is more manifest to than to those who trem-
bled beneath the thunder-sIlitten Sinai.'
THE Unity oP NATURAL PHENOMENA. Translated the
French Of NJ EXILE sMeEY by rHonAs FRERsAS MOSES IL D.
limo PIP. 253. Estes K LaunaI
AS O popular introduction to the study OF
the forces OF Nature, according to tho prevalent
theories of modern science for which this work was
intended, 1t deals too largely with the speculative
aspects of the subject without presenting ID In the light
of an exhaustive analysis, and systematic exposition
1t exhibits the general outlines OF what may be called
the new physics but is wanting In ample Illustrations,
and in lucid consecutive details OF the principles OF
recent important discoveries Tho author is too intent
on the statement OF his private individual views 10
engage in the calculation OF points Of general scientific
interest He throws out many fruitful suggestions, but
neeects to trace their bearings and consequences.
His work, accordingly, shows the stamp OF French
yiyacity, rather than of German profoundness or
English logical completeness For beginner, its
style Ia too shadowy firm and comprehensive grasp
although to master of the subject 1t might need many
valuable "reminiscences The authors discussion of the
properties of the universal Ether affords fair specimen
of his characteristic He assumes that there Is
but one substance the material universe, and that
this substance the ether This ether is the primitive
and most subtle element the tissue out OF which the en-
tire universe is wrought 1t is diused throughout the
entire material world, envelopnR all bodies, and pene
tratng into their interstces Ether is composed OF
atoms which mpinge upon each other and upon neigh
boring bodies forming universal medium which exerts
a constant pressure upon the molecules Of ordinary
matter The action OF gravity, according TO the author,
ia explained by this hypothesis. Bodies, he airms, do
not owe their gravity intrinsic force but to the
sure of medium in which they are immersed The mo-
ia a
ton OF the ethereal motions and gravity enters into the
unity which has been shown 10 connect all physical
forces 1t included in the idea Of motion with which
heat light electricity magnetism cohesion, and chemi-
cal affinity are identical. The idea OF matter itself the
author maintains, is thus rendered moro clear and
simple The basis OF the system is the atom OF ether
But we cannot conceive that there two kinds OF
matter differing from each other IN their essence quite
as little can we imagine two systems OF mechanics
Since there is but one law for motion, there can be but
single essence matter and hence the molecules OF
ordinary matter must DO only aggregates Of ethereal
atoms The atom and motion thus explain the universe.
One kind Of atoms compose the physical world.
BY virtue Of melton communicated TO
each other by these atoms they become
so grouped and interminglod to form simple
molecules and all their compounds. 1t is to one and
the same cause that must ascrbe molecular aggre-
cations in the realm of the infinitely small, and in that
of the infinitely large the gravitaton or the heavenly
bodies-Admtting the ingenious and subtle character
Of these reasenng it cannot be said that In the present
state of physical science they amount TO positive proof
At the utmost they only claim to be considered as
founded on plausible bypoheses They are therefore,
out of place In manual designed for popular iusruc-
ton, and occupy which might better have been
devoted to thorough exposition The unity Of force ia
no longer matter Of doubtful theory and the analysis
Of its principles should not be connected with problems
ofu uncertain solution.