A Cosmographical Review of the Universal Law of the Affinities of Atoms

Abstract

IT is a little difficult to understand the theory presented in this book. To do justice to the author, and at the same time enable readers of NATURE to appraise the contents at their proper value, we give a few extracts. It is stated that men of science have concluded “that all space must be composed of an element extremely rarefied, and that element they denominate ether.” Having accepted this opinion himself, the author infers that the ether is. “the primary essence of all matter, whether in a gaseous liquid, or concrete form,” which inference leads to a conclusion that seems to contain the gist of the theory advanced, and is expressed as follows. “Therefore it is reasonable to assume that this ether is composed of atoms in their normal and most rarefied state, distinct and varied in species as to their nature and substance, are unchangeable and undestructible, involved by forces of affinity from ether to a density (sic), and finally into a gaseous, liquid, or concrete form. And as all matter known to us is capable of being rendered volatile, either by the action of heat or potent dissolving alkalies, they are dissolved again in the course of eternity from concrete to ether.” The author applies this principle of “Ether thou art, and to ether shalt thou return,” very comprehensively, taking in such diverse subjects as “Nebulæ resulting in Solar Formations,” “The Phenomena of the Magnet and Aurora Borealis,” “The Survival of the Fittest in Protoplasmic Organisms,” “Mind of Mankind,” and “Rise and Fall of Nations.” He also discourses freely upon “free calorics” and “latent calorics,” which apparently play an important part in the scheme of involution and devolution set forth.

A Cosmographical Review of the Universal Law of the Affinities of Atoms.

By James Henry Loader. Pp. 93. (London: Chapman and Hall, Ltd., 1896.)