164 



e) Hearing corresponds to hydrogen which develops 

 sound-waves. 



f) Touch corresponds to the power of nitrogen, the 

 constructive gas which imparts form to every living, 

 body. 



g) Catalepsy corresponds again to an unknown ele- 

 ment which suppresses and stops the vital action of the 

 gases in the human frame. 



Hence I assume that there remain three unexplored 

 elements in our atmospherical gases, elements correspon- 

 ding to consciousness, sight and catalepsy, whilst the 

 work of the remaining four is clearly reflected in the 

 action of the senses. Let us look at the manner in which: 

 they act. 



In breathing man inhales nitrogen, oxygen and hydro- 

 gen, and exhales carbon, vapours aud azote. Only the 

 element of oxygen suffers material change, being dissol- 

 ved in carbon and in vapour. Breath is also the source 

 of smell and therefore oxygen is obviously the primary 

 gas concerned in this function. 



The sense of taste is in direct proportion to the quantity 

 of the carbonaceous element contained in the food. The latest 

 medical researches have shown that a sick man can survive 

 and recover upon a carbon diet whereas upon nitroge- 

 nous diet he will perish. From youth to age berries are 

 a favourite food, and they especially abound in carbon^ 

 On the whole we can conclude that the most tasty and 

 useful foods are those containing most of this important 

 element. 



The sense of hearing is directly proportional to the 

 hydrogen waves reaching the ear. Every sound heard in 

 nature is caused by the separation of hydrogen from 

 combination with oxygen, the separated gas flying out 

 with all its characteristic rousing energy to seek some 

 vital service. 



Take for example the ringing sound of a bell, what 

 occurs in such a case? 



