308 On the Crystalline Structure of the Trap Dykes, 8fc. [Apmt 



In conclusion, it may be permitted me to remark, that, in seeking to 

 extend the domain of a power already so universal in its agency, so ex- 

 traGrdinary in its nature, it is impossible to refrain from oft times having 

 the heart raised to that God whose handy-work we are investigating, and 

 to whose name I would desire to ascribe that tribute of praise, too often, 

 I regret to say, withheld by many who devote their talents and time to 

 laying open the secret laws by which He governs the world in 

 which we dwell. It gives us no mean idea of his power to mark, how, 

 with one instrument, such varied, such numberless effects are 

 produced. Nor is this idea diminished, when we examine the nature 

 of the instrument itself, and find it so worthy of an Almighty hand. 

 Traversing space with a duration less than the millionth part of a 

 second ; passing through solid bodies more rapidly than light travels 

 through the regions of the planets ;* at one time rending rocks asunder, 

 at another the obedient slave of man ; contributing both to his wants, 

 and his pleasures ; residing in the magnet, it guides the sailor on his 

 pathless way, labouring in the caverns of the earth, it is daily produc- 

 ing more abundant supplies of the various metals so necessary to 

 man's social comfort and earthly happiness ; nay, some would even lead 

 us to suppose, that it is the great link by which world is bound to world, 

 that the great principle of gravitation is to be merged into the 

 still greater one of electrical action. Be this as it may, electri- 

 city is, even supposing it false, an instrument sufficiently wonder- 

 ful to lead us to adm.ire and to glorify Him by whom it was created, 

 and by whom it is now directed in all its vast and varied operations. 



♦ Such are some of the striking results to which Professor Wheatstone's researches 

 on electricity have conducted him. I am indebted to Turner's Elements of Chemistry 

 |0r a short account of these, Mr. Wheatstone has found— 



(1) That the velocity of electricity along a copper wire exceeds that of light 

 through planetary space. 



(2) The li^ht of electricity of high tension has a less duration, in passing as a spark> 

 than the millionth part of a second. 



In a letter to Dr, Buckland, Mr. W. says, ia reference to the economical applicati- 

 ons of this power, " it requires not the tongue of a prophet to foretel that the voltaic 

 pile will hereafter create as great a revolution in our chemical manufactories as the 

 steam engine has already effected in the mechanical arts." — Bridgewater Treatises.— iVo^es, 



