grounds of objection to ofl'er to it, as well as those in support 
of his own views. In explanation of these, he said, the 
common terms applied to heat in its sensible, radiating, and 
latent states, do not apply to or convey the meaning he 
attaches to the term “ neutral and elemental heat,” which 
condition he defines to be “an imj)onderable, elastic element” 
that permeates, and is equally diffused through matter and 
space, except when its clastic force is exceeded by other 
disturbing forces. Many instances of such disturbing forces 
were set forth and explained, and in reference to these he 
observed, “that great confusion had arisen from the vague 
and discordant senses in which the term ‘physical force’ is 
often employed by very eminent physicists.” In treating of 
the “nature” and “conservation” of force, the term is said to 
mean “that which produces or resists motion,” thus implying 
that force is of itself a substantial existence, whereas it merely 
indicates action among bodies. These exert force upon one 
another, and upon their own component parts, so that force 
means exerted action of matter upon matter, and to give it 
substantial attributes is absurd. 
In support of the identity of heat and electricity, many 
cases were cited. — (1.) That heat ascends latent in aqueous 
vapour, which being condensed, the latent heat becomes 
neutral or elemental in the upper regions, and this because 
no substance is present, other than “the thin cold air” with 
which it can unite, and become sensible heat. This neutral 
element is the electric fluid, and is made known to us in all 
the forms of electrical phenomena (2.) Again, when water 
descends through the crevices of the earth down to the 
incandescent mass, it is converted into steam of great force, 
causing volcanic eruptions and earthquakes, according to the 
intensities of the forces so generated, by the union of water 
with heat. This heat latent in the vapour, ascends and is 
liberated in the upper air, and flashes forth as lightning, always 
attending those convulsions and proving the identity of the 
