THE ATOM AND ITS POWERS. 



is the manner in which it obeys the magic of chemical 

 force. These are phenomena which we have seen ; we 

 know them, and we can reproduce them at our pleasure. 

 We have advanced a little way into the secrets of nature, 

 and from the spot we have gained, we look forward 

 with a vision somewhat brightened by our task ; but we 

 discover so much to be yet unknown, that we learn 

 another truth, our vast ignorance of many things 

 relating to this grain of dust. 



It gathers around it other particles ; they cling 

 together, and each acting upon every other one, and all 

 of them arranging themselves around the little centre 

 according to some law, a beautiful crystal results, the 

 geometric perfection of its form being a source of admi- 

 ration. 



It exerts some other powers, and atom cohering to 

 atom, obeying the influences of many external radiant 

 forces, undergoes inexplicable changes, and the same 

 dust which we find forming the diamond, aggregates 

 into the lordly tree, -blends to produce the graceful, 

 scented, and richly painted flower, and combines to 

 yield the luxury of fruit. 



It quickens with yet undiscovered energies ; it moves 

 with life : dust is stirred by the mysterious excitement 

 of vital force ; and blood and bone, nerve and muscle, 

 are the results. Forces, which we cannot by the utmost 

 refinements of our philosophy detect, direct the whole, 

 and from the same dust which formed the rock and 

 grew in the tree, is produced a living and a breathing 

 thing, capable of receiving a Divine illumination, of 

 bearing in its new state the gladness and the glory of a 

 Soul. 



These considerations lead us to reflect on the amount 

 of our knowledge. We are led to ask ourselves, what 

 do we know? We know that the world with all its 

 variety is composed of certain material atoms, which, 

 although presented to us in a great variety of forms, do 



