THEORY OF LIGHT. 11 



24. That when the equilibrium is disturbed by alternations 

 of consumption, from combination with fixed matter, or the re- 

 solution of bodies from a state of fixation to that of radiancy, 

 the phenomena of lightning is rendered visible. 



25. That the Aurora Borealis arises from the friction of 

 laminar currents of the atmosphere passing each other in su- 

 perposited strata, and at opposite angles of various degrees, 

 and such currents being charged with light in a free state, or 

 at large, the separation of its elements is first occasioned by 

 sudi friction, and a subsequent union, or restoration of each 

 abstracted portion of the molecules of light, takes place, and 

 restores quiescence by equilibrium. 



26. That the matter of LIGHT produces in fixed bodies all 

 the phenomena at present imputed to caloric, which is not a 

 separate or distinct BODY, nor a cause, but a CONSEQUENCE 

 of the energy of action of the primary constituents of light, in 

 effecting their union to produce light. 



27. Light, as insulated molecules, pervades the entire of the 

 atmosphere, but is rendered visible only during the action of a 

 radiating point from which additional or surplus light EMA- 

 NATES. 



28. The velocity imputed to light in its passage through 

 space, calculated at 192,000 miles in a second of time, may be 

 rendered more easy of conception by considering that it is not 

 meant to assert that one particle has been transmitted through 

 such an immense distance, but that a UNION of the molecules 

 pervading space has been effected by their appropriate poles, in 

 a LINEAR RAY, within so short a period. 



29. NEITHER of the systems of UNDULATION nor EMANATION 

 can be separately and distinctly established to the prejudice or 

 suppression of the other, but they are perfectly reconcilable as 

 to their conjoint action, and that they both contribute to the 

 visible perfection that exists in the TRANSMISSION of LIGHT. 



30. The limited rotatory motion, imparted to the molecules 

 of light while under the condensing influence of pressure, and 



