THE 



POETET OF SCIENCE, 



CHAPTER I. 



GENERAL CONDITIONS OF MATTER. 



Its varied Characters, and constant change of external Form 

 The Grain of Dust, its Properties and Powers Com- 

 binations in inorganic Masses and in organized Crea- 

 tions Our knowledge of Matter Theory of Ultimate 

 Atoms The Phys : cal Forces acting on the Composition of 

 Masses The certainty of the exercise of subtile principles, 

 which are beyond the reach of experimental Science. 



THE Physical Earth presents to us, in every form of 

 organic and inorganic matter, an infinite variety of 

 phenomena. If we select specimens of rocks, either 

 crystalline or stratified, of metals in any of their 

 various combinations with oxygen, sulphur, and other 

 bodies, of gems glistening with light and glowing with 

 colour, if we examine the varied forms and hues of the 

 vegetable world, or the more mysterious animal crea- 

 tions, we must inevitably come to the conclusion, long 

 since proclaimed, and admit that dust they are, and to 

 dust must they return. Whatever permanency may be 

 given to matter, it is certain that its form is ever in a 

 state of change. The surface of the " Eternal Hills " 



B 



