CONSTITUENTS OF THE UNIVERSE. 



One of the items chiefly relied upon for 

 proof, is that it appeals directly to the senses. 

 But that is not conclusive for these reasons: 

 The senses, unaided by analytical reasoning 

 frequently lead us astray, as for instance, with 

 reference to the form of the earth, on the ques- 

 tion of inertia, and in numerous other cases. 



A still better reason, though, for not accept- 

 ing this as evidence, is because motion does 

 the same thing in the very same cases that 

 are relied upon to prove the presence of mat- 

 ter. Now, in consideration of the fact that we 

 known there is motion, and don't know there 

 is matter, the inference is a very plausible one 

 that it is motion alone, and not matter at all, 

 that is proved by this circumstance. 



As motion is certainly recognized through 

 the senses, and as superfluities are not known 

 to exist in the simple and efficient economy of 

 the universe, the presumption is against the 

 existence of matter so far as this item goes, or 

 at least not in favor of it. 



Another item also relied on to prove that 

 there is matter, is that it occupies space, or 



