THE ORIGIN OF CREATION. 



In the first, we have the atoms of the materials- under in-tense 1 

 motion and friction, causing heat and light. 



In the second, we have the same action, but with differing 

 materials, or atoms in a different condition and in a less degree. 



In the third, as the light is too far removed to be apparently 

 affected by, or to take part in, the chemical action going on in 

 the flame, the cause and effect must be ascribed to something 

 different. This we assert to be due to the reflective power of 

 the atoms. If materials can combine into a flame, and reflect a 

 powerful light all around from the action of the atoms on one 

 another (for all light may be said to be reflection) and if all 

 substances reflect light more OF less, the atmosphere being com- 

 posed of the same kinds of material, must be possessed of the 

 like reflective power. Consequently this reflection of one 

 atom on another, produces what we experience as light, the 

 intensity of the light or reflection decreasing, as the distance 

 from the flame is increased. 



In the fourth instance, we have a pure case of sight ; that is, 

 we are looking through a transparent medium at a mass of 

 reflecting atoms; but the scientific world have invented a theory 

 connected with it, which is worth combating. 



Prof. Tyndall, in his lectures on heat, says : " Sir Isaac 

 Newton supposed light to consist of minute particles, darted out 

 from luminous Bodies ;" this was the celebrated Emission theory. 

 To Dr. Thomas Young, however, belongs the immortal honour 

 of establishing on a safe basis the theory of Undulation. Ac- 

 cording to the notion now universally received, light consists 

 first of a vibratory motion of the particles of the luminous- 

 body, which motion is communicated to the ether in which 

 they swing, and thus it is transmitted in waves to the eye. 



