2 THE CREATION OF MATTER 



sensation is a sign. Every sensation has its meaning. 

 It speaks of relationship to us, of a power in things to 

 affect us; and according as they affect us we judge of 

 their nature, we ascribe to them their characteristics. 

 And wherever we perceive the same signs we infer the 

 same meanings, we draw the same conclusions. The 

 same signs in the same circumstances and unless the 

 circumstances be the same, all the signs are not the same 

 the same signs, we say, proceed from the same substances, 

 speak of the same natures. 



Every distinct object is characterised by its own 

 qualities, powers, and appearances, and by them may be 

 distinguished from that which is characterised by dif- 

 ferent qualities, powers, and appearances. It is easy to 

 recognise light when we see it shining, fire when we 

 perceive it flaming and feel its heat. Every element in 

 nature, or combination of elements, has its signs by which 

 it proclaims its presence, and says, " It is I that am here." 

 It is easy to say of one substance, " It is iron " ; of another, 

 " It is gold." Oxygen has its signs ; hydrogen, nitrogen, 

 carbon, chlorine, iodine, phosphorus have their signs. 

 These signs no chemist distrusts ; his science is built on 

 them. He works in their midst with confidence; he 

 depends on them, and is not disappointed. All the 

 sciences have the same foundation. Every stone or rock 

 has its signs by which it can be known. Every plant 

 has its characteristics by which it can be distinguished. 

 Every animal has its marks by which it can be classified. 

 The laws of sound, light, heat, and electricity are learned 

 in the same manner. What are laws but substances or 

 elements acting alike, showing the same signs ? 



The sciences glory in truth. Their votaries boast, and 

 justly, of the certainties which alone they permit to settle 

 in their fields. They seek truth in a scientific manner. 



