the Fundamental Problem of Nature, 2B 



of tlie motion of the molecules. We may in thought conceive 

 heat to be a cause of the motion of the molecules ; but we can- 

 not conceive any adaptation in the mode of operation of heat that 

 can explain the determination or direction given to the molecules. 

 Whatever may be the nature of that molecular motion called 

 Heat, we have simply a repetition of the same mode of motion ; 

 and there is consequently nothing in it to account for the endless 

 diversity of molecular motion which exists in organic nature. 

 Heat, instead of tending to build up complex organic structures, 

 tends, on the contrary, to produce the opposite result. The ten- 

 dency of heat is to produce homogeneity — to reduce all bodies 

 to one molecular condition. Its direct tendency is not to build 

 up, but to tear asunder and break down. In short, Heat tends 

 to produce dissolution, not evolution. 



If we are in ignorance as to the nature of that mode of motion 

 which constitutes Heat, v/e are still more so in regard to that 

 mode of motion called Electricity. Physicists have speculated 

 on the nature of Heat ; but no physicist of note, so far as I am 

 aware, has even hazarded a conjecture as to what is the nature of 

 that mode of motion called Electricity. Who, then, can assert 

 that there is any thing in the nature of electricity that will ac- 

 count for the determination of molecular motion in organic 

 nature ? The mere energy of electricity, like any other form of 

 energy, may be conceived to produce molecular motion ; but 

 mere energy will not determine motion. If there be any thing 

 in Electricity that can account for the determination of motion, 

 it is not its energy, but the mode of operation of the energy. 

 But as to what this mode actually is we know nothing what- 

 ever. We know the effects which this energy produces on masses 

 of matter, but not the nature of the molecular effects produced. 

 Of that particular thing connected with electricity which could 

 be of any possible service to us in reference to the question at 

 issue we at present know absolutely nothing. 



But notwithstanding our ignorance in regard to the nature of 

 that mode of motion called Electricity, we are perfectly able to 

 determine from the character of the effects produced by it that, 

 even though our knowledge of it were perfect, it would not afford 

 us any explanation of the cause of the determination of molecular 

 motion in the organic world. We know that electricity, Kke 

 heat, is a simple repetition of the same mode of motion. The 

 mode of motion in one part of the telegraphic wire is the same 

 in all other parts ; and such as it is in one wire, so is it in all 

 other wires. And what holds true of Heat and Electricity holds 

 equally true of Magnetism, Light, and all other forms of phy- 

 sical energy ; and it is needless to say that what holds true of 

 physical energy holds equally true of chemical energy. 



