HOW THE EARTH IS WEIGHED. 



743 



The number of companies rose from fourteen to seventy-one in eleven 

 years, and fell to thirty-one in the following nine years, while the amount 

 insured was only reduced by about 25 per cent. Compared with other 

 institutions, this shrinkage during a period of general retrenchment is not 

 large. With about 600,000 policies in force, $400,000,000 of assets and 

 $65,000,000 of net surplus, the success of life insurance is really aston- 

 ishing. As a cooperative enterprise, in the truest sense of the word, 

 it outranks every other in the means employed. Scientific principles 

 are applied to the solution of an intricate social problem, and result in 

 the most equitable division of burdens. The aims and purposes are 

 most exalted, too. Other associations combine individuals to cooperate 

 with a view to their own present support and immediate enjoyment, 

 while this institution is based upon abstention, self-imposed for other 

 future beneficiaries. 



With its usefulness not yet fully appreciated, its wide field of 

 application not thoroughly understood, we may well be thankful for 

 what it has already accomplished, and be proud of it as an exponent 

 of the civilization and of the times in which we live. 



-o*- 



HOW THE EAETH IS WEIGHED. 



By Dr. OTTO WALTEEHOFER. 



Ij^FFORTS have been made, at all times in which the spirit of inves- 

 -^-^ tigation can be said to have existed, to ascertain the condition 

 of the interior of the earth. There has been no lack of unfounded 

 assumptions on the subject, and fanciful hypotheses were held even 

 down to a period in which correct conclusions had been reached upon 



