THE USE OF HYPOTHESIS. 



is derived from sensation we cannot figure to ourselvp. 

 any agent, but as endowed with some of & th e properties Tf 

 matter. All that the mind can do in the creS of new 

 existences is to alter combinations, or the intensity <rf 

 sensuous properties. The phenomenon of motion is 

 familiar to sight and touch, and different degrees oTrapSitv 

 are also familiar; we can pass beyond thelimits of sensJ 

 and imagine the existence of rapid motion such as OUT 

 senses could not observe. We know what Telastic'ty 

 and we can therefore m a way figure to ourselves elasticity 

 a thousand or a million times greater than any which fe 

 sensuously known to us. The waves of the ocean are many 

 times higher than our own bodies ; other waves are many 

 times less ; continue the proportion, and we ultimately 

 arrive at waves as small as those of light. Thus itTs S 

 the powers of mind enable us from a sensuous basis to 

 3VT? mmg a T ? nts , and Phenomena different in an 

 grea n h yP thesis the * can be absolutel 



In order that an hypothesis may allow of satisfactory 

 comparison with experience, it must possess definite^ 

 and in many mathematical exactness aUowSig o f 



the precise calculation of results. We must be able to 

 ascertain whether it does or does not agree with facts 

 The theory of vortices is an instance to the contrary fS 

 it did not present any mode of calculating the exact 

 relations between the distances and periods o^ the planet 

 and satellites ; it could not, therefore, underg -that orou! 



rfSSS^S? N T ton sc T ulousl ^ submi ^ 



ol gravity before its promulgation. 



- 

 to live; but with those who love truth, 



ur p ' cion >;, The upholders of the 



* ur t s Abhorrence of a vacuum, had been 

 to anticipate the important fact that water would 



6 ^ 33 feet in a common suction pump 

 the fact was pointed out could they explain T 



" 1 alteration of the 



the effec T aeraton o the 



L L 



