26 New Theories of the Great Forces. 



the heavenly host, 3 at this point demands 

 our attention. How are the spheres made 

 up ? How speaks the earth ? The earth 

 with which we are familiar our sample is 

 formed of a slight crust, a core, to a greater 

 or less extent and degree incandescent, and 

 measuring 250,000 millions of cubic miles in 

 dimensions, also an envelope which we call 

 the atmosphere. 



Now, from the presence of the vast mass of 

 incandescent material within the enclosure of 

 each sphere-crust, it may reasonably be in- 

 ferred, nay the very nature of human reason 

 compels the decision, that they are placed 

 there for some specific purpose, and that their 

 operations are commensurate with their im- 

 mensity. 



We may not neglect to make account of 

 so vast an element, and so vital and prepon- 

 derating, in all globes.* 



We are thus compelled to answer the 

 question, What part in the economy of na- 

 ture is this great central core particularly 

 fitted to perform ? What its function among 

 the great forces ? 



3 Appendix, p. 99. 



* The earth's core constitutes nearly -&% of its entire mass. 



