5i4 
The Velocity of Light . 
[September, 
than a contiguous film, or to the gaseous state. Why, then, 
is it that light and radiant heat seem to use time in propor- 
tion to the vacuum distance separating heavenly bodies, the 
resistance being zero ? Because vacuum is in its dimensions 
determined by the interaction of aggregated masses of 
matter, of generator and receiver. Vacuum is a medium 
having the quality, distance, rectilinear dimension (no other), 
transverse undulation, cross section of orbits, making the 
orbits’ waves only existing where there is matter. 
We know of sound only because we have an organ which 
has adapted itself to its reception and valuation, and I 
showed the motions producing sound in definite relations 
with the inorganic earth and with the grouping of its chief 
sections. As we also have an organ so developed and con- 
structed as to feel and value light, and our whole body is 
made dependent on heat, we may well assume that the 
motions constituting light and heat stand in similar relations 
to the mass, structure, and motions of the earth. 
Any particle is subject to the common attraction and re- 
pulsion by the earth ; it is next subject in common with the 
earth, and again as individual, to the differentiating attrac- 
tion and repulsion by the sun ; and it is further subject to 
the attraction and repulsion by other bodies, molecules, and 
atoms, non-terrestrian and terrestrian, themselves having 
their special centres and internal distribution of force. 
The earth is a solar particle separated by vacuum from 
the sun and other heavenly bodies ; it is out of equilibrium 
with regard to the central mass. This constitutes differ- 
ences in the light received by the earth from without,, and 
generated within its limits, where the origin is entirely 
surrounded by neighbours coming in contact with it. 
The sun is the immediate ruler of the earth. Any terres- 
trian molecule entering on the motion light, indifferently if 
received from outside or inside the earth, is for an instant 
subjected to a tendency of absolute centrifugality from the 
earth, immediately reacted against ; it is therefore an objeCt 
in contention between the centrifugalities and attractions of 
sun and earth, all third disturbing parties and light gene- 
rators being subordinate to their leading contest among 
themselves. 
There are solids more or less penetrated by light and 
radiant heat, themselves similar, yet distinct in action, the 
difference being orbital and rotary motion, one passing into 
the other as arrested transport into accelerated rotation, and 
arrested rotation into accelerated transport. Of these solids 
none but solid water is of any frequency, and all but ice are 
