LAUGEL'S PROBLEMS OF NATURE AND LIFE. 341 



New modes of evolution, and augmentation of power 

 through induction and the conversion of mechanical 

 into electrical force, furnish notable instances of such 

 progress. And yet more those inventions, admirable 

 alike for their genius and boldness, by which the Elec- 

 tric Telegraph has been spread over the globe, and 

 subjected to man's control even in the uttermost depths 

 of its ocean channel. The relations of Electricity to 

 Magnetism, though the identity of the element of 

 power is proved, have received little further develop- 

 ment ; and many obscure questions are here awaiting 

 solution from some higher law yet undiscovered. The 

 influence of electricity on the vital functions is still a 

 very unsettled problem, and the conflicting results 

 obtained by experiment impair the evidence which 

 science requires for their adoption. 



But the great mystery here, to which all others are 

 subordinate, centres in the simple question, What is 

 Electricity ? what the actual nature of the element thus 

 wonderfully propertied, and, as we have reason to 

 believe, fulfilling in other and remote worlds the func- 

 tions through which we know it in our own ? In that 

 general conception of the unity of creation expressed 

 heretofore in the phenomena of light and gravitation, 

 but now enforced upon us by so many new and unex- 

 pected evidences, we cannot refuse to admit Electricity 

 as one of those great cosmical agents which combine 

 and control the elements of power and action in the 

 universe at large. 



But reason is not to be satisfied with magniloquent 

 phrases. The question comes back upon us, What is 



