122 GENERAL ECONOMY OF 



vaded, like the apple, by an internal principle of Life, and 

 that this is the cause of all its internal motions, and the sus- 

 tainer of equilibrium among all its constituent orbs, which, to 

 it, are in reality no more than what the molecules are to the 

 apple ! 



But let us endeavor to obtain a more distinct view of some 

 of the constituent elements embraced in this general theory : 

 Our theory, before propounded, of constantly emanative, as 

 well as constantly gravitafive, forces as connected with planets, 

 suns, systems, and firmaments, seems, if correct, to necessi- 

 tate the conclusion that universal space is constantly filled 

 with substance. This substance is in the solid, fluid, aeriform, 

 and ethereal states. In its densest state, it may be supposed 

 to be indefinitely more dense than the heaviest substances 

 known upon earth, and in its rarest state, it may be supposed 

 to be indefinitely more rare than electricity, and between these 

 two extremes, there are probably all intermediates. The uni- 

 verse may thus be regarded as only one vast ethereal Body, 

 having in its general mass innumerable points of condensation, 

 which are suns, planets, etc. 



Now, the force which originally induced nebulous circles, 

 firmaments, suns, planets, satellites, etc., to assume their re- 

 spective orbits at specific distances from their primaries, and 

 which perpetually operates (with some modifications, accord- 

 ing to different stages of progression) to keep these bodies in 

 those general orbits after they are assumed, may, in a degree, 

 be conceived by the following illustration : The ponderable 

 atmosphere of the earth at a level with the sea, is relatively 

 dense, while at the tops of the highest mountains it is rela- 

 tively rare ; and at an altitude of forty-five or fifty miles, ac- 

 cording to received estimates, its existence ceases to be appre- 

 ciable. Hydrogen gas is much lighter than the ponderable 



