On the Formation of the Universe, 133 



upon them as the higher strata, and having on account of 

 their greater degree of compression, a greater power of re- 

 sistance, the spaces which they occupied would not be so 

 much reduced in a given time, as the spaces of the higher 

 strata. By this increase of compression the matter which 

 at anyone moment seemed in equilibrium, would continually 

 advance toward the centre, and retaining the same actual 

 velocity, its angular velocity would be increased, and the 

 increase of angular velocity would be constantly transmitted 

 from the whole wheel toward the circumference ; in the 

 greatest degree from the point of the greatest increase of 

 compression, and from all parts in a degree proportioned in 

 some measure to their distance from that point. Here we 

 perceive a double and nearly contemporaneous source of 

 increase in the angular velocity at the circumference ; the 

 force of the falling matter, and the increase in the compres- 

 sion of the central wheel. The action of the falhng matter 

 would be immediate : the effect of the consequent compres- 

 sion would instantly commence, but would be rather more 

 dilatory in their termination. There is another compound 

 source of angular velocity considerably similar to this, but 

 much less in degree and in the rapidity of its operation. 

 According to the known properties of matter, considerable 

 portions of the aerial wheel would concrete by instant ex- 

 plosion or sudden combustion, into a densely fluid or plastic 

 state, and would proceed towards the centre of the wheel, 

 and there form a nucleus, which being aided in the com- 

 mencement of its motion by the aerial part of the wheel, 

 would revolve in the same direction. With regard to these 

 condensed portions of the wheel, there are two difficulties to 

 be obviated ; the resistance which they would meet in pro- 

 ceeding to the central nucleus, and their liability to strike it 

 in a direction differing from a tangent to its circumference. 

 With respect to the first we may suppose, that the density 

 of the aerial and condensed matter might be very greatly- 

 different ; and the supposition is perfectly consonant with 

 our experience. The cohesion of the falhng bodies might 

 be so great as to prevent their being dissipated, while at the 

 same time their fluid or plastic state would enable them to 

 assume all the length of form which is necessary to reduce 

 thpir resistance to its smallest degree. The other difficulty 

 is no less easily obviated, for the state of the case renders it 



