98 New Theories of flic (ircat /v>;vr.v. 



This hypothesis, from such an origin, un- 

 verified and unverifiable, is too weak to sup- 

 port the superstructure which has been erect- 

 ed upon it. This hypothesis discarded, it 

 may be presumed that the earth was never in 

 a fluid or iv holly incandescent state. 



" It may be shown that all nebulae are 

 crowded stellar masses." HUMBOLDT. 



Action and Retro-action. 



2. (Page 25.) " Considering the continued 

 activity of the sun through countless centu- 

 ries, we may assume, with mathematical cer- 

 tainty, the existence of some compensating 

 influence to make good its enormous loss."- 

 COR. AND CON. OF FORCES. 



If the earth receives the benefits of this 

 activity, surely the " compensating influence " 

 must, in a like degree, go forth from the 

 earth to the sun. And, furthermore, if this 

 influence (whatever its character) may pass 

 in the one direction through space without 

 known or visible means of communication, re- 

 tro-action may be affected through the same 

 channel. 



