212 THE POPULAR SCIENCE MONTHLY. 



slight excess of elevated surface at points either north or south of the 

 equator, and that in time this resulted in difference of temperature, in 

 ice accumulation, in axial variation due to unequal attraction. Pro- 

 fessor Hitchcock's suggestion of many causes is valuable because it 

 calls attention to the possibility or probability of a vast and connected 

 ring of variations, each related to the other, so that ultimately we can 

 only understand the facts as illustrating the instability of the homo- 

 geneous as taught by Herbert Spencer. But the oscillation is mani- 

 fested in so many other ways that, even when it fails as applied to a 

 special series of geological facts, we are still justified in believing it as 

 an underlying truth not demonstrated in this case, owing to our want 

 of definite knowledge concerning the glacial period. 



Having thus glanced at mathematical considerations, we now pass 

 to the identity pervading widely different phenomena. In addition 

 to this law by which exceptional events are found to accord with a 

 certain average, we further find identity in various kinds of action. 

 When the ice on the river is rent with a sound like the booming of 

 cannon, we detect some resemblance to the rumbling of an earthquake. 

 Hence the theory may be that the subterranean sound involves the 

 cracking of rocky strata. The motion of a small whirlpool, of a tor- 

 nado, of the solar system, and hypothetically of great extents of 

 nebulous matter, discloses an undercurrent of identity indicating that 

 we should not value the event in itself, but the wide play of phenomena 

 so represented. We may further conclude that the material universe, 

 as far as known, is of value as standing for something beside optical 

 appearances and mechanism. Aside from this representative value, 

 concerning sidereal systems, men of genius may discern direct practi- 

 cal power in small things, as in the following instances : Watt applies 

 to a wider use the lifting power of steam, as seen in the upward mo- 

 tion of a tea-kettle cover,* and Edison applies the lessened friction 

 between electrified metal and rough paper to the general purpose of 

 reducing the friction of machinery — at present this principle is used 

 to increase the sounding power of the telephone. Many things appear 

 trifling because we fail to see in them the wonderful analogies await- 

 ing disclosure and the possibilities of development, so that lack of 

 perception or combining power is the main condition of our helpless- 

 ness in the presence of many forms of material action or phenomena. 



In direct opposition to the idea of mastery through knowledge and 

 continuous effort, we find the belief in luck, the central idea of which 

 is that a bias in our favor may pervade events. The notion of natural 

 order in events, followed regardless of persons, substitutes for the illu- 

 sion of luck the truth of a mere coincidence between what we like and 

 what results. Such favorable coincidences when not read aright have 

 wrecked the lives of some men who might otherwise have developed 

 useful powers. A careful study of such a fortunate turn of events 

 * The story has been discredited, but the truth is applicable. 



