64: FRAGMENTS OF SCIENCE. 



and afterwards a motion of Vibration. To this vibra- 

 tory motion we give the name of heat. Thus, three 

 things are to be kept before the mind first, the atoms 

 themselves; secondly, the force with which they at- 

 tract each other; and thirdly, the motion consequent 

 upon the exertion of that force. This motion must 

 be figured first as a motion of translation, and then as 

 a motion of vibration, to which latter we give the name 

 of heat. For some time after the act of combination 

 this motion is so violent as to prevent the molecules 

 from coming together, the water being maintained 

 in a state of vapour. But as the vapour cools, or in 

 other words loses its motion, the molecules coalesce 

 to form a liquid. . 



And now we approach a new and wonderful display 

 of force. As long as the substance remains in a liquid 

 or vaporous condition, the play of this force is alto- 

 gether masked and hidden. But as the heat is gradu- 

 ally withdrawn, the molecules prepare for new arrange- 

 ments and combinations. Solid crystals of water are 

 at length formed, to which we give the familiar name 

 of ice. Looking at these beautiful edifices and their 

 internal structure, the pondering mind has forced upon 

 it the question, How are they built up? We have ob- 

 tained clear conceptions of polar force; and we infer 

 from our broken magnet that polar force may be resi- 

 dent in the molecules or smallest particles of matter, 

 and that by the play of this force structural arrange- 

 ment is possible. What, in relation to our present 

 question, is the natural action of a mind furnished 

 with this knowledge? It is compelled to transcend ex- 

 perience, and endow the atoms and molecules of which 

 crystals are built with definite poles whence issue at- 

 tractions and repulsions. In virtue of these forces 

 some poles are drawn together, while some retreat from 



