SCIENCE AS A SYMBOL AND A LAW 11 



the impression of an existence in a world of dreams. 

 On the other hand, if the ether be discontinuous, it 

 must be porous, and what becomes of our link between 

 atoms? We are driven to the creation of a second 

 more tenuous medium to fill the spaces between the 

 grosser one, and so on to the reductio ad absurdum 

 pointed out by Clifford. 



This discussion may be readily summarized in two 

 metaphysical hypotheses which are frequently ac- 

 cepted as the axioms of the atomic theory. 



First. Given the masses and the configuration of 

 the centers of inertia of all the atoms, with the law of 

 their mutual attraction, then all the attributes of mat- 

 ter are determined and the problem of the universe is 

 solved. 



Second. As a visible link is required between mov- 

 ing parts of a machine, so invisible links, called ethers, 

 multiplied indefinitely, must exist between atoms. 



While most scientists were endeavoring to extend 

 and to perfect this mechanical theory, there were a 

 few inclined to question the validity of the axioms 

 on which it rested. Among the latter, Rankine de- 

 serves the first place. In a memoir read before the 

 Philosophical Society of Glasgow in 1855, he discusses 

 scientific methods in general, points out the defects and 

 advantages in the prevailing theories, and outlines a 

 new method which he calls the science of energetics. 

 His criticism is of the highest importance; with sub- 



