28 
Transactions Texas Academy of Science.— 1907. 
the ether as ether waves, which are warring waves that finally adjust 
their antagonisms, and then become the source of energy that struc- 
ture gives to matter. And since the character of the molecular waves 
will vary to a fraction with variations of structure, the specific energy 
of the molecule will likewise vary. Hence it follows from this scheme 
that the specific energy of ferments and toxins is a result of stereo- 
chemical configuration of their molecules. 
But something more than specific energy is necessary to give a mole- 
cule dynamic power; the principle of interference requires that oppos- 
ing waves shall coincide in definite ways before potential energy be- 
comes active or dynamic energy, hence the energy of a ferment or toxin 
is manifested only upon substances whose molecular waves it can in- 
fluence — either exaggerate, lessen or destroy. Upon all other substances 
the energy of the ferment is powerless to excite fermentation. 
We know that an open piano with raised pedal, in a closed room, will 
respond accurately note for note with notes made upon a violin. This 
is because the periods of vibration of the strings which respond are the 
same in both instruments, all other strings are silent. It is just so with 
the ether waves of molecules, they must be timed alike in periods of 
vibration that the energy of one may be manifested upon the other, 
otherwise there will be no action. 
The following remarks by Professor Tyndall — “New Fragments” — * 
are apropos in a discussion of this subject, “A group of atoms drawn 
and held together by what chemists term affinity is called a molecule. 
The ultimate parts of all compound bodies are molecules. A molecule 
of water, for example, consists of two atoms of hydrogen, which grasp 
and are grasped by one atom of oxygen. 
“When water is converted into steam, the distance between the mole- 
cules is greatly augmented, but the molecules themselves continue intact. 
We must not, however, picture the constituent atoms of any molecule 
as held so rigidly together as to render intestine motion impossible. 
The interlocked atoms have still liberty of vibration, which may, under 
certain circumstances, become so intense as to shake the molecules 
asunder. Most molecules, probably all, are wrecked by intense heat, 
or, in other words, by intense vibratory motion; and many are wrecked 
by very moderate heat of the proper quality. Indeed, a weak force 
which bears a suitable relation to the constitution of the molecule can 
by timely savings and accumulations accomplish what a strong force 
out of such relations fails to achieve. The sensation of light is pro- 
duced by a succession of waves which strike the retina in periodic in- 
tervals; and such waves impinging on the molecules of bodies agitate 
their constituent atoms. These atoms are so small and, when grouped 
to molecules, are so tightly clasped together that they are capable of 
