220 Dr. 0. J. Lodge on Action at a Distance. 



open structure might be conceived to be in contact, and yet 

 the whole capable of compression (much like a system of 

 elastic springs in contact). 

 February 8, 1881. 



XXXI. On Action at a Distance. 



To the Editors of the Philosophical Magazine and Journal. 

 Gentlemen, 



IT was with some surprise that I read in your last issue 

 Mr. Browne's reply to a note of mine which you pub- 

 lished in your January number. The note contained a proof 

 (a perfectly valid and conclusive proof, I believe) that the 

 direct action of one body on another at a distance was in- 

 compatible with accepted physical axioms, viz. Newton's third 

 law and the law of the conservation of energy. In so far as 

 it was an answer to Mr. Browne's paper with the same 

 heading in your December number, it was written under the 

 impression that there could be no possible difference between 

 us with respect to the elementary principles of mechanics. 

 I now find, however, that he appears to disbelieve in the 

 axiom that reaction is equal to action, and that he ignores 

 that particular kind of reaction which is against acceleration. 

 These excentricities make it difficult to argue with him. But 

 these are not the worst; for he actually takes the trouble 

 to invent and publish a solemn argument to prove that no 

 work can be done by one body on another when they are 

 both moving at the same rate in the same direction. How 

 any one who has ever seen a horse drawing a cart, or a nurse 

 pushing a perambulator, can fail to see through this trans- 

 parent absurdity, I am really unable to conceive. 



It is not unnatural, perhaps, that Mr. Browne should set 

 me down as " fatally wrong" and "obviously in error," 

 seeing that he has wholly failed to understand my argument; 

 and I can only regard his letter as an instructive example of 

 how possible it is for a man to be familiar with the mere 

 mathematical methods and reasonings connected with a sub- 

 ject, while yet he is in a direful fog regarding the simple 

 and fundamental principles of the subject itself, on which 

 nevertheless the higher reasonings must in reality rest. 

 I have the honour to remain, Gentlemen, 



Your obedient Servant, 



Oliver J. Lodge. 



