186 DUALISM OF FORCES. 



If we again glance at the systems and sub-systems of ope- 

 ration which nature presents, we will find abundant exemplifi- 

 cations of this fact. Thus, as the forces of Expansion and 

 Contraction proceeded in their operations in the primeval 

 chaotic mass, the particles which were by nature fitted to re- 

 main in an aeriform or ethereal state, and those which were 

 naturally fitted for aggregation into dense forms, were sepa- 

 rated. The latter class of particles, by a general assemblage, 

 first formed the universal nucleus, and then, successively the 

 nebulous rings, segregated masses, and stellar and planetary 

 systems. The telescope now reveals these masses of conden- 

 sible materials apparently in all stages of progress in the 

 heavens, from the indefinitely formed and irresolvable nebula 

 to the globular cluster of stars. This latter is the form pecu- 

 liar to the highest possible degree of cosmical perfection, and, 

 at the same time, the highest natural degree of cosmical conden- 

 sation ; and it may hence be supposed to be accompanied with 

 the highest naturally attainable degree of levity and purity in 

 the circumambient ether. But these states are ultimate 

 achievements of the joint and constant action of the fundamen- 

 tal laws of EXPANSION and CONTRACTION. 



We will find, on due consideration, that these same princi- 

 ples apply also to each creation included in the cosmical, 

 whether it be organic or inorganic. Thus, in the Mineral 

 World, the metallic ore that is now segregated into distinct 

 veins, evidently must have originally existed in diffusion in 

 the surrounding rock. The particles which originally occupied 

 the present position of the mineral veins, must have been dis- 

 persed by a force of expansion (virtually or actually) which was 

 precisely equivalent to the force of mutual attraction which 

 brought the metalline particles together in their place. The 

 same tendency of kindred and originally diffused mineral par- 



