THE PATH OF EVOLUTION 



the atoms, in much the same manner as the molecules 

 of a gas, though moving much slower, impinge upon 

 the walls of the vessel that confines them. These 

 concussions or impulsions thus manifesting them- 

 selves as a pressure, coming from all directions 

 equally, would impel the material molecules of the 

 aforesaid body, throw them into vibratory move- 

 ment if the mass were solid or liquid and into 

 translatory vibration, if gaseous ; in all instances exert- 

 ing an impulsion of the particles of the mass towards 

 its own centre. This impulsion or pressure consti- 

 tutes what we call weighty and is greater in direct 

 proportion to the mass i. e., as the number of the 

 molecules in any body kept in vibration is greater, 

 and the motion of the ethereal atoms proportionally 

 checked. The mass of this Earth determines there- 

 fore the proportion in which in it is absorbed the 

 motive force of the Ether atoms, moving to it from 

 any and all directions, leaving, in consequence, fewer 

 atoms from the direction of the earth to oppose the 

 motion of another and separate body. Thus, a fall- 

 ing stone, for instance, would find less resistance from 

 the impulse of the atoms towards the centre of the 

 earth, than from all other directions, and it would, 

 therefore, move in the line of least resistance. Since 

 the translatory motion of the Ether atoms must ex- 

 ceed that of light, say, 183,000 miles a second, the 



