On the Formation of the Universe. 133 
upon them as the higher strata, and having on account of 
their greater degree of compression, a greater power of re- 
sistance, the spaces which they occupied would not be so 
much reduced in a given time, as the spaces of the higher 
strata. By this increase of compression the matter which 
force of the falling matter, and the increase in the compres- 
sion of the central wheel. action of the falling matter 
would be immediate : the effect of the consequent compres- 
sion would instantly commence, but would be 
dilatory in their termination. ‘There is another compound 
source of angular velocity considerably similar to this, but 
much less in degree and in the rapidity of its operation. 
According to the known properties of matter, considerable 
portions of the aerial wheel would concrete by instant ex- 
plosion or sudden combustion, into a densely fluid or plastic 
state, and would proceed towards the centre of the wheel, 
and there forma nucleus, which being aided in the com- 
mencement of its motion by the aerial part of the wheel, 
would revolve in the same direction. ith regard to these 
condensed portions of the wheel, there are two difficulties to 
be obviated; the resistance which they would meet in pro- 
ceeding to the central nucleus, and their liability to strike it 
in a direction differing from a tangent to its circumference. 
With respect to the first we may suppose, that the density 
of the aerial and condensed matter might be very greatly 
different ; and the supposition is perfectly consonant with 
our experience. The cohesion of the falling bodies might 
be so great as to prevent their being dissipated, while at the 
same time their fluid or plastic state would enable them to 
assume all the length of form which is necessary to reduce 
their resistance to its smallest degree. The other difficulty 
is no less easily obviated, for the state of the case renders it 
