in a Programme of Physics. 45 7 



systems which, in the bulk of a cubic millimetre, are mimics 

 of a million nebulae ? 



But it was impossible that the state of these sciences should 

 be otherwise. Every student of physics or chemistry is con- 

 tinually encountering such terms as force, matter, movement, 

 and the like — terms which are ill-defined and are the bases of 

 alleged important theories, terms in a series of which no one 

 knows which is the ultimate operator. Other sciences have 

 been subjects of a similar caprice, and render more vivid the 

 confusion. In unity of plan, and in appropriating the great 

 results of kindred sciences, all have been deficient. 



If science is ever to offer an exact reflection of the object 

 of which it is the image, it will do so by appreciating the clear 

 and definite proof that it is dealing with an essential and in- 

 divisible unity, not a unity produced by the mere heaping- 

 up of details. 



The study of physics requires five necessary considerations. 

 These are : — the conception of physics ; its plan ; its relations 

 with other branches of knowledge and with human life ; its 

 sources of knowledge, and mode of investigation. The unity 

 of such a branch will appear well marked on such a basis, and 

 in sympathy with the aspirations of all its cultivators. We 

 exclude, on the one hand, the unscientific and dreamy meta- 

 physics which Newton stigmatized ; we admit, on the other, 

 the legitimate philosophy which deals with palpable and 

 rational foundations. 



Idea of Physics. 



I. Energy. — Physics, if broadly considered, is identical 

 with nature ; but such topics as physiology, morphology, 

 natural history, and the like are not generally included in it. 

 In nature we observe a multitude of objects and forces : — man, 

 the stars, animals, plants ; heat, light, electricity, chemistry, 

 gravitation ; and a creative force, modified by all the other 

 forces. Between all these, relations exist which cannot be 

 manifested in one set apart from the others ; there is a harmony, 

 demonstrative of order, even among radical differences. Man 

 himself is not simple but twofold, containing the infinitely 

 developable elements of mind and body. Nature is a total, 

 complete, and necessary existence ; its union with mind forms 

 the finite series of the universe, whose ultimate term is a crea- 

 tive being. The innate force of nature, her essence, form, and 

 mere existence, are but vague abstractions. We may think 

 such abstractions — think them as independent of the series in 

 which they occur (mind apart from body, for instance) ; but 

 they have no place in the realm of integers and facts. 



