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example, the heat which on a vast scale ahoimds in vapour, 

 is given out as clouds are formed, and accounts for the 

 positive and negative electricity ; and also, when redundant, 

 for lightning from thunder clouds. As much heat is evolved 

 above the clouds, where cold prevails, it must become 

 elemental or neutral there, and justifies the inference that it 

 is identical with the electric fluid, as above said. That 

 electricity and magnetism are but diverse actions of one 

 element has been proved, and their action on matter proves 

 their materiality. The mechanical and chemical action of 

 light proves its materiality also ; and that light and heat are 

 identical has been clearly established. The plurality of 

 imponderable elements is, therefore, disproved by the fact 

 that the mutations of the one element fully account for all of 

 the phenomena attributed to several. The gravitating and 

 elastic properties of matter constitute their statical and 

 moving forces, for ever balancing each other. The former of 

 these forces would consolidate the material universe *' with 

 lightning speed," but for the reaction of the latter force. 

 There is no reason wliy the force of gravity should be 

 measured by the established laws of falling bodies, except 

 that experiment has shown the velocities actually attained by 

 them in vacuo. But this vacuum is the absence of air only^ 

 not that of the " elastic medium ;" and it is this that holds 

 the poise of matter throughout illimitable space. 



