58 
C. L. Herrick 
condition of being is free unimpeded activity. Now think for a 
moment of two equal forces in a state of antagonistic equilibrium. 
Force is not a state of matter, though a state of rest is undoubtedly 
an instance of hostile forces. A state of rest is not a state of 
inactivity. In such a state of equilibrium as we have supposed 
there is a constant escape of force — equilibrium is only relative. 
But theoretically there is an instant (not of time but of state) 
when all resistance is removed and the two forces are annihilated 
as force. They are then replaced by energy, pure spontaneity. 
This passage through energy is, we believe, the sine qua non for 
the transformation of force. When a tower is held in place by 
gravitation, there is a constant transformation of force. One 
form in which the force issues is inertia or resistance to change. 
Such inertia shows that energy is continuously being converted. 
The concept of ether reduces under strict analysis to energy. 
The laws of elasticity, which Maxwell assumes are not those of 
ordinary matter, may be taken, in so far as they go, as descriptive 
of the nature of energy. This is the perfect liquid of Kelvin. 
Hinton says : 
It can be proved that it [this elastic ether] possesses the properties 
of a vortex. It forms a permanent individuality The con- 
sideration of four-dimensional rotations shows the existence of a kind of 
vortex which would make an ether filled with an homogeneous vortex- 
motion easily thinkable. 
Vortex-motion may be most complicated and may generate 
high degrees of independence and give rise to properties which 
cannot be represented in terms of molar motion. This type of 
equilibrated motion has its highest expression in forms of con- 
sciousness. Intrinsic, as contrasted with extrinsic, phenomena 
belong here. The higher (4-N) dimensions are non-molar 
and intrinsic. 
