82 JAMES CLEKK MAXWELL 



such truths for purposes of deduction, but wo have no data for 

 speculating as to their origin. 



"But that there should bo exactly so muck matter and no 

 more in every molecule of hydrogen is a fact of a very different 

 order. We have here a particular distribution of matter a 

 collocation, to use the expression of Dr. Chalmers, of things 

 which we have no dilliculty in imagining to have been arranged 

 otherwise. 



~- "The form and dimensions of the orbits of the planets, for 

 instance, are not determined by any law of nature, but depend 

 upon a particular collocation of matter. The same is the caso 

 with respect to the size of the earth, from which the standard 

 of what is called the metrical system has been derived. But 

 these astronomical and terrestrial magnitudes are far inferior 

 in scientific importance to that most fundamental of all 

 standards which forms the base of the molecular system. 

 Natural causes, as we know, are at work which tend to modify, 

 if they do not at length destroy, all the arrangements and 

 dimensions of the earth and the whole solar system. But 

 though in the course of ages catastrophes have occurred and 

 may yet occur in the heavens, though ancient systems may bo 

 dissolved and new systems evolved out of their ruins, the 

 molecules out of which these systems are built the foundation 

 stones of the material universe remain unbroken and unworn. 

 They continue this day as they were created perfect in 

 number and measure and weight ; and from the ineffaceable 

 characters impressed on them we may learn that those aspira- 

 tions after accuracy in measurement, and justice in action, 

 which we reckon among our noblest attributes as men, are 

 ours because they are essential constituents of the image of 

 Him who in the beginning created, not only the heaven and 

 the earth, but the materials of which heaven and earth consist." - 



This was criticised in A'//*rr ly Mr. <'. .1. Munro, 

 and at a later time, by Clifton! in one of his essays. 



Some correspondence with tho Bishop of Glou- 

 cester and Bristol on tho authority for the com- 

 parison of molecules to manufactured articles is 



