1857.] The gravitating Force. 459 



stance, of which it knows nothing, can discover nothing, and can 

 neither assert nor deny their possibility or occurrence. Under 

 these circumstances, a principle, which may be accepted as 

 equally strict with mathematical knowledge, comprehensible 

 without it, applicable by all in their philosophical logic whatever 

 form that may take, and above all, suggestive, encouraging, and 

 instructive to the mind of the experimentalist, should be the 

 more earnestly employed and the more frequently resorted to 

 when we are labouring either to discover new regions of science, 

 or to map out and develope those which are known into one 

 harmonious whole ; and if in such strivings, we, whilst applying 

 the principle of conservation, see but imperfectly, still we should 

 endeavour to see, for even an obscure and distorted vision is 

 better than none. Let us, if we can, discover a new thing in 

 any shape ; the true appearance and character will be easily 

 developed afterwards. 



Some are much surprised that I should, as they think, venture 

 to oppose the conclusions of Newton: but here there is a 

 mistake. I do not oppose Newton on any point ; it is rather 

 those who sustain the idea of action at a distance that contradict 

 him. Doubtful as I ought to be of myself, I am certainly very 

 glad to feel that my convictions are in accordance with his 

 conclusions. At the same time, those who occupy themselves 

 with such matters ought not to depend altogether upon au- 

 thority, but should find reason within themselves, after careful 

 thought and consideration, to use and abide by their own 

 judgment. Newton himself, whilst referring to those who 

 were judging his views, speaks of such as are competent to form 

 an opinion in such matters, and makes a strong distinction 

 between them and those who were incompetent for the case. 



But, after all, the principle of the conservation of force may 

 by some be denied. Well, then, if it be unfounded even in its 

 application to the smallest part of the science of force, the 

 proof must be within our reach, for all physical science is so. 

 In that case, discoveries as large or larger than any yet made 

 may be anticipated. I do not resist the search for them, for 

 no one can do harm, but only good, who works with an earnest 

 and truthful spirit in such a direction. But let us not admit 

 the destruction or creation of force without clear and constant 

 proof. Just as the chemist owes all the perfection of his science 



