34 COHESIVE FORCE OPPOSED TO GRAVITATION. 



the ring of Saturn. This is a suggestive experiment, 

 the repetition of which, by reflective minds, cannot fail 

 to lead to important deductions. The phenomena of 

 cohesion, of motion, and gravitation, are all involved; 

 and we produce results resembling, in a striking man- 

 ner, the conditions which prevail in the planetary spaces, 

 under the influence of the same powers. If we take 

 a glass globe, and having filled it with a fluid of the 

 proper density, drop into it large and small globules of 

 oil, we may produce an instructive representation of 

 the stellar vault, with its beautiful spheres of light 

 revolving in their respective orbits ; and though cross- 

 ing each other's paths, still moving in obedience to 

 attracting and repelling forces onward in perfect 

 harmony. 



From the centre of our earth to the utmost extremity 

 of the universe from the infinitely small to the im- 

 mensely vast gravitation exerts its force. It is met 

 on all sides by physical powers acting in antagonism to 

 it, but, like a ruling spirit, it restrains them in their 

 wildest moods. 



The smallest dust which floats upon the wind 

 Bears this strong impress of the Eternal Mind. 

 In mystery round it, subtile forces roll; 

 And gravitation binds and guides the whole. 

 In every sand, before the tempest hurl'd, 

 Lie locked the powers which regulate a world. 

 And from each atom human thought may rise 

 With might to pierce the mysteries of the skies, 

 To try each force which rules the mighty plan, 

 Of moving planets, or of breathing man; 

 And from the secret wonders of each sod, 

 Evoke the truths, and learn the power of God. 



a layer of alcoholic liquor." On the Phenomena presented by a free 

 Liquid Mass withdrawn from the action of Gravity. By Professor 

 Plateau, of the University of Ghent. Translated from the Memoirs 

 of the Royal Academy of Brussels, vol. xvi. ; in the Scientific 

 Memoirs, vol. iv. part 13. 



