GKOLOGY. 367 



among the particles of the sphere, the movements and directions of these 

 currents of force, and the dynamical motions of molten matter from the cen- 

 tre to the surface of the globe. 



This step in my researches connects astronomy with geology, discloses 

 the cause of terrestrial magnetism, hinding it with all minor experimental 

 inquiries and with the observations and discussions of all facts collected 

 throughout the surface of the planet, and even explains its connection witli 

 the Solar Spots, inasmuch as no agitation can take place in the sun without 

 coincident changes in its molecular forces affecting its density, or the phy- 

 sical relations of its particles, whi-h changes are immediately felt in our 

 own globe, through the connection of its centre with the forces of the solar centre. 

 Thus too, this research brings us face to face with the prime cause of all 

 physico-plutonic phenomena, not only that of earthquakes and volcanoes, 

 but of those displays of dynamical power exhibited in the elevations of 

 mountain ranges, and in the formation and revolutions of continents. Earth- 

 quakes and plutonic eruptions, being events which maintain particular rela- 

 tions to time, and being results of graduated operations of force on matter, 

 become objects of new and intense interest. 



Their explanation becomes indeed simple when we recognize the fact that 

 all great dynamical disturbances are only effects of the accumulated forces 

 of particles. The individual properties and principles of molecules, inertia, at- 

 traction and repulsion, being recognized, it is safe to follow both matter and 

 force wherever their combinations and expressions may lead us. Conse- 

 quently, as the attractive forces accompany atoms into their cosmical combi- 

 nations and constitute the great centralizing force of gravitation, so the repul- 

 sive forces must follow the same atoms (for the)/ cannot be lost) and constitute 

 another active power u-ithintliQ globes throughout space, a power whose dy- 

 namical energies within ouroion planet as elsewhere, have hitherto been wholly 

 ignored. The alternating exertions of these two forces have been plainly 

 enough exhibited in the motions of the matter constituting the translucent 

 spheres of comets, in their regular contraction and expansion, as they ap- 

 proach and pass away from the sun. The fact, as a mere statement, is 

 noted by all telescopists ; but its physical importance has been overlooked, 

 and no explanation of the phenomenon has ever been attempted. Inertia, 

 a given impulse, and gravitation may be sufficient in the formula? of ma- 

 thematicians to account for the motions of the heavenly bodies. That point 

 i- not here called in question ; but the force of gravitation alone is not suf- 

 . ! nt to account for phenomena which are of daily occurrence within the 

 claries of the sphei'es that compose this solar system. 



Following the two forces of attraction and repulsion with metaphysical 

 pertinacity into the material constitution of cosmical bodies, we dbcovcr the 

 same law to prevail in nature which is exhibited in all our experiments 

 with matter. 



Disturb the equilibrium of molecular status in any form of matter by im- 

 pact, pressure, or by any motion, and the repulsive force is instantly awak- 

 ened, however long it may have remained dormant. Thus originate > a 

 palpable material tension, the representative of molecular repulsion, which 



