296 Epidemics. 



the outcome of constant processes of elevation and de- 

 pression ; whilst, by the very nature of its rock superstruc- 

 ture or stratification, an enormous amount of dry, moist, or 

 wet galvanic action is going on, which in less than 50,000 years 

 bids fair to destroy, by its constant disintegrating effect, 

 every petrified remain contained in our stratified rocks ; and 

 the present state in which they are found too surely marks 

 the slow process of disintegration, or decay, to which 

 they have been subjected ; whilst through some chemical 

 process, carried on by electro-magnetism and galvanism 

 chiefly, our forest of Coniferae have undergone a half 

 crystalline and stony change in the form of coal beds. 

 Added to these, such constant changes are going on in the 

 magnetic dip, and in the position of the magnetic poles,, 

 that it is impossible to deny, that within herself, the earth 

 has constant and ceaseless work going on, and by forces in 

 perfect unison, and in perfect Harmony with those forces 

 which bind the earth, the sun, and all the planets to each 

 other. 



Hence it is inferred that, as certain actions and forces, 

 between this earth and the sun, are essential for the due 

 display of vital phenomena on the surface of the globe in 

 the form of animals and vegetables, so for the preservation 

 and due integrity of vital forms existing in the two kingdoms 

 those forces which are within the earth, also, have a certain 

 and constant effect upon all things moving and growing 

 upon its surface ; and that, from the changes and balancing 

 of forces within, the vital organisms receive energy, or are 

 retarded in those functions and forms of manifestation 

 which they exhibit on its variable and ever-changing 

 surface. 



But, from the nature of epidemic and many other 

 phenomena, it is assumed that there are regular and con- 

 secutive changes constantly going on within the earth, but 



