MATTER AND FORCE, IN PHYSICAL PHENOMENA. 43 



And among these questions comes one of deep in- 

 terest, closely connected with the theory of vital force, 

 viz., the force of the will, an entity not less real in its 

 action on matter than those other unseen powers which 

 we have been denoting. Whatever definition of force 

 be adopted, this comes integrally under it. Nothing is 

 gained in the way of distinction by bringing the word 

 spiritual into the argument. This presents the mystery 

 of force under another phrase, but leaves still unre- 

 solved that problem as to nature and origin which re- 

 gards force in its every form. The word looms before 

 us as an incomprehensible abstraction, yet, logically 

 considered, as much a reality as the matter on which 

 it acts. 



Much has been thought and written on the subject 

 of gravitation ; and this is not surprising, seeing that it 

 brings the relation of matter and force into the most 

 simple and explicit form. In this simplicity, however, 

 there still lies the same profound obscurity. A force 

 pervading the universe, and so known in its great laws, 

 that through them the astronomer can predict the 

 existence and place of planets yet unseen, is neverthe- 

 less hidden from us in its origin, in its manner of trans- 

 mission through space, and in its mode of relation to 

 the matter on which it so universally acts. One might 

 describe it as a power inherent and incorporate in mat- 

 ter itself, were it not that such terms are little more 

 than a shelter for our ignorance. We can more clearly 

 denote it, as a force of comparatively little energy 

 where minute particles are concerned, but deriving 

 from concentration of units of power that higher energy 



