186 The Rev. J. B. Harbord on the Come Theory of Heal 



What physiologists call general sensation or common sensibi- 

 lity is affected by radiant heat. This we know to consist of un- 

 dulations of the aether, like those which convey the impression of 

 light to the sight. They are freely propagated from a distance 

 through space devoid of gross matter j and when a substance in- 

 tervenes, whether this heat is reflected from it, transmitted 

 through it, or absorbed in such a manner as to render the sub- 

 stance a new centre of radiation, in every case our common sen- 

 sibility is affected at a distance. This confirms the idea that the 

 aether retains its undulatory motion throughout its association 

 with the gros.s molecules. The other part of the hypothesis is 

 that these gross molecules have a kind of orbital motion round 

 the sethereal undulating nuclei. We have submitted that these 

 orbits are conic sections, and that upon the kind 0/ conic sec- 

 tion depends the physical condition of the material substance. 

 Now, if it be true that the gross molecules revolve, and that their 

 orbits undergo transformations as the condition of the substance 

 is changed, we should expect that those senses which are speci- 

 ally adapted for the examination of the different forms of matter 

 will require actual contact with the substance under examina- 

 tion. Undulations of gross molecules could be transmitted from 

 a distance as in the case of sound ; but the orbits of molecules 

 which revolve can only be apprehended by close examination. 

 Now we actually find that we have three cognate senses — touch, 

 taste, and smell, severally adapted for the cognizance of matter 

 in the solid, liquid, and gaseous states ; and that with each of 

 them contact of the nerve with the substance under examination 

 is necessary. These two facts may require a little elucidation. 



First, as to the several provinces of the three cognate senses. 

 The sense of touch has reference to the solid condition of mat- 

 ter, the sense of taste to the liquid condition of matter, and the 

 sense of smell to the gaseous condition of matter. The very 

 form of the several organs might almost lead to this conclusion. 

 The hand is formed to grasp at solids, and is like a basket for 

 their transference, the mouth is shaped for the retention of 

 liquids, and the nose can only be meant for the examination of 

 gases. But let us direct our attention from the organs to the 

 nerves. Putting aside the effect of sensible heat, which, as pre- 

 senting a difference of temperature, is cognizable by all these 

 three senses alike by the common sensibility which underlies 

 them, we find that the nerves of touch are specially adapted to be 

 acted on by matter in the solid state ; those, for instance, ter- 

 minating in the fingers require actual solid resistance to bring 

 them into play. But is not, then, the sense of touch acted on by 

 liquids and gases ? The answer is — not as liquids and gases, but 

 only by the resistance they present. Thus the hand placed on 



