1 1 S From Matter to Man. 



laws are operating, the crystalline cohesion shall be 

 polar. 



For example, in the hot solution of alum the con- 

 stituent atoms are more or less in disorder owing to 

 the excessive motion and antagonistic affinities ; but 

 on cooling slowly down, solidification begins, at some 

 point accidentally determined upon by conditions, and 

 a molecule crystallises. From this crystal magnetic 

 induction practically commences, pervades the mole- 

 cules next it and attracts them polarly. Thus cohesion 

 proceeds, linking like pole to unlike pole in regular 

 order and sequence until it converts the liquid not 

 only into a large clear solid, but a beautiful geometric 

 crystal. 



(d) Although scarcely a law, the element of time 

 obtrudes unbidden in the above experiment, as a 

 potent factor in natural production. Nature is truly 

 equal to all emergencies, and builds both quickly and 

 slowly, but the medley of precipitation rivals not the 

 masterpiece of deliberation. Deliberate operations 

 involve the element of time. If particular products 

 be required, nature can no more be hurried than any 

 other machine ; and if time be not granted, abortion 

 is the result. 



But time is only regular and deliberate motion ; 

 hence, as every formation is the result of a certain 

 series of motions, this series must be uninterruptedly 

 performed, or the product correspondingly varies. 

 This element of time, in its relation to motion as 

 heat, constitutes an important factor, even in such a 



