SOLUTION. 87 



427. It can indeed be none other than carbonic acid, 

 which is converted by decomposition into meteoric 

 stones, or at least into the metals and earths which they 

 contain. Sidphur must be regarded as the melting down 

 of carbon and hydrogen. In the upper lighter regions 

 of the air carburetted hydrogen gas may very well be 

 present, and condense itself into meteoric stones. 



428. The condensation must take place by means of 

 electricity. The greater condensation or solidification, 

 as well as the calefaction, results indeed first through 

 the fall. 



429. Their bursting is only conceivable when some 

 hydrogen gas is in the meteoric stone, which gas, when 

 submitted to the highest degree of heat, becomes finally 

 fulminating gas and bursts the stone. 



430. Meteoric stones are children of our planet, and 

 not of the world-space. They are the antagonism of the 

 water-formation or of rain. 



431. The falling stars are simply indeed condensed 

 carbon or hydrogen gas, but which by reason of its 

 small mass does not become solid. It is probably con- 

 verted only into sulphur-. Thus falling stars would be * 

 the other halves of meteoric stones ; the latter consisting 

 of a preponderance of carbon, being therefore earths and 

 metals ; the former of a preponderance of hydrogen, 

 being therefore carburetted hydrogen or sulphur. A 

 greater number of meteoric stones must fall over the 

 sea than over the solid land. 



3. Function of the Water. 



SOLUTION. 



432. The function of water is necessarily homologous 

 with the process of combustion, because the main bulk 

 or proportion of water is oxygen. In conformity with 

 its spiritual activity does water seek to convert the two 

 other elements into water, to impart to them its form, to 

 fluidize them. This happens with the air when it has 



