S02 COSMIO PIIILOSOPII V. [it. il 



cures some deep-seated abnormity of nutrition, and the 

 lightning-flash which paralyzes and kills, is at bottom a 

 difference in amounts and rates of atomic vibration. And 

 according to the latest speculations in chemical philosophy, 

 it is because of the synchronousness or rhythmical harmony 

 of the oscillatory movements described by their atoms, that 

 elementary substances are enabled to combine in myriadfold 

 ways, thus making up the wondrous variety of forms, organic 

 and inorganic, which the earth's surface presents for our 

 contemplation. 



Since the ultimate particles of which science regards the 

 universe as composed are thus perpetually swaying to and 

 fro, in accordance with a law of motion that admits of no 

 exception, we may expect to find that the various aggregates 

 of these particles which constitute perceptible bodies will 

 exhibit a like rhythm, whether comparatively simple or 

 endlessly compounded, in their motions. The law which 

 governs the action of the parts must govern also the action 

 of the whole, no matter how intricately the whole may be 

 compounded. Whether it be in the case of organic or in- 

 organic bodies, of complex or of simple aggregates, we must 

 expect to come upon systems of rhythmical movements, 

 which will be comparatively simple or endlessly complex, 

 according to the structural complication of the bodies in 

 question. Let us exhibit a few instances of this rhythmical 

 action, before we pass to the stupendous consequences of the 

 theorem which I have been endeavouring to elucidate. Some 

 of the chief instances to be gathered from astronomic phe- 

 nomena have been so admirably presented by Mr. Spencer, 

 that I cannot do better than to quote in full his concise 

 statement. 



Along with the planetary revolutions which furnish the 

 illustration with which I began this chapter, "the solar 

 system presents us with various rhythms of a less manifest 

 and more complex kind. In each planet and satellite there 



