New and Original Theories of the Great Physical Forces. Henry Raymond Rogers
spheres, and the deductions consequent thereupon, in regard to the progressive stages through which the earth in its developments has passed, was pernicious in its influence in diverting the minds of investigators from other and truer channels. To the blind confidence with which that hypothesis has been universally accepted and perpetuated, and to the fallacious theories thus directly and indirectly engendered, we owe our false position at the present day.
The present theories of the transmission of light and sound; of the production of winds, and sun-spots, and of the method of development and dissemination of heat, are in point of fact, unphilosophical and incomprehensible.
It is quite remarkable that in the present century, excelling as it does any period in the world's history in exact and reliable scientific knowledge, such unsatisfactory opinions should obtain. The failure is still more inexplicable when we reflect that these subjects are in importance the highest which can engage our attention as scientists.
We have at the present time sufficient reliable data whereon to found satisfactory hypotheses. We have but to utilize the means which the true scientists of the century have so wonderfully developed, and with which they have so prodigally surrounded us, in order to complete the consummation of the great and crowning achievement in physical science.
Table of Contents
CHAPTER III.
THE GREAT FORCES, THEIR CHARACTER AND OPERATIONS.
I now ask, What is the intimate and inherent nature of those forces? Do they, or either of them, belong to the domain of the supernatural? Are they the products of some supreme force, or forces, heretofore unappreciated? The reply is clear and unquestionable. The supernatural must necessarily be a part of the Divine Essence, and consequently intangible. Not so the subjects of our inquiry. They are natural products, therefore, and the result of the operation of some power commensurate with the stupendousness of their manifestations.
Sunlight and Sun-heat.
In the forces, light, and heat, what immensity of power is represented! Strangely enough we have ever imagined these forces to be the unaided work of the sun, as though that luminary could be capable of sending forth in undiminished exuberance, such marvels of force, during all the ages, and remain itself unexhausted!
The Great Law of Conservation of Force.
But how speaks the law of conservation, that law most enduring, and most inexorable? According to the decrees of that law, whatever is received by the earth from the sun, an equivalent for the same must again be returned from the earth to the sun, to the uttermost fraction.[2] Such being the conditions, how may this retro-acting process that all analogy and the profoundest scientific axiom prove to be in constant operation—how, I ask, may this retro-acting process be explained? What equivalent may the earth give back as compensation for such enormous benefits, for such stupendous powers? The laws of conservation may not be violated: the earth will respond.
How are the Spheres constructed?
The constitution of these two retro-acting spheres, and consequently of all the others of the heavenly host,[3] at this point demands our attention. How are the spheres made up? How speaks the earth? The earth with which we are familiar—our sample—is formed of a slight crust, a core, to a greater or less extent and degree incandescent, and measuring 250,000 millions of cubic miles in dimensions, also an envelope which we call the atmosphere.
Now, from the presence of the vast mass of incandescent material within the enclosure of each sphere-crust, it may reasonably be inferred, nay the very nature of human reason compels the decision, that they are placed there for some specific purpose, and that their operations are commensurate with their immensity.
We may not neglect to make account of so vast an element, and so vital and preponderating, in all globes.[A]
We are thus compelled to answer the question, What part in the economy of nature is this great central core particularly fitted to perform? What its function among the great forces?
The great problem of the age, which scientists are intently engaged in solving, is the correlation of the leading forces already adverted to. Thus far light, heat, electricity, magnetism, chemical action, vital action, cohesion, etc., have been proved to be parts of one great whole. Now, since the especial characteristic of the great earth-core is heat, it comes directly into relationship with the forces mentioned. How then are its forces expended? Through what channels do they manifest their presence? The philosophical mind would most naturally associate with it the idea of stupendous magnetic power. We may well suppose such a power extending its influence through and beyond the earth-crust, reaching out towards the moon, and retro-acting with that body in preserving their mutual relations.
Does not this mighty influence reach out toward the sun also, and act conjointly with that great central orb in producing results, which to us, have ever been great mysteries.[4]
The Grand Magnetic Circuit.
In the retro-acting influence in operation between these great bodies, may be found A Grand Magnetic Circuit. In this grand magnetic circuit is found the key to the whole subject of the correlation and identity of all the forces.
And now, as preparatory to using this key that we may enter in and consider the intimate nature of the physical forces, we would be impressed with the clear and full idea of this mighty current, which bears upon its tide, as one, all manner of forces with which we have to do.
It remains for us to tell what this great current is, and what it does. To the child, to the savage, and to the civilized man alike, it comes first and pre-eminently as light.
[A] The earth's core constitutes nearly 98/100 of its entire mass.
Table of Contents
CHAPTER IV.
SUNLIGHT.