24 



The water in this case takes the place of human lymph, 

 without which or some equivalent matter, the existence 

 of a living organism is inconceivable. 



Amongst physical investigations into the animal life 

 of the earth we must number examination of her heat 

 and magnetism. In reviewing various theories of the 

 formation of the earth I referred to the experiments of 

 Thomson and Forbes. Both these scientists affirm that 

 the temperature of the upper stratum responds to the 

 atmospheric conditions of the day and the year, that at 

 a depth of from 80 to 86 feet we reach the line of un- 

 varying heat, from 9 to 10 degress, below which, descen- 

 ding towards the centre, the temperature rises steadily 

 at the rate of one degree to every 135 feet. Is -it not 

 a similar variation, necessarily on a smaller scale which 

 we see in the human body ? 



As regards the magnetism of the earth, this is shewn 

 by physical research to be her heat power. Experiments 

 with electricity show us that before we can obtain light 

 it is necessary to evolve magnetic currents, which, being 

 converted by artificial mears into alternate currents, 

 furnish electric force, which manifests itself in light and 

 excessive heat. 



From the observations of learned travellers we know 

 that on earth there exist two magnetic poles, and three 

 permanent currents directed towards them. All other 

 magnetic currents change their directions, diverging from 

 these straight lines, and sometimes presenting circular 

 movements in various directions over the earth. 



The principal lines of magnetism pass one through North 

 and South America, the other two through Europe and 

 Asia. If we consider the mountain chains of the Cordilleras, 

 the Himalayans, the Caucasians, the Alps and the Pyre- 

 nees as the fins or organs of movement of the earth 

 then it is easy to see that the Cordilleras present them- 

 selves as the backbone of the earth and the other moun- 

 tain ranges as ribs. 



Comparing the circulation of the blood in man and in 

 the bodies of fish with the corresponding function in the 



