The Evolution of Beauty . 
377 
1878.J 
Force of the Universe is probably a unity, it presents itself 
to our senses and understandings as divided everywhere into 
distinct units. In their simplest form we conceive of these 
units of Force as associated with material “ atoms.” 
Wherever heat exists the material atoms are supposed to 
be in a state of perpetual agitation, and every minute atomic 
movement originates a “ wave ” of force in its simplest 
character, the differences between such an atomic wave and 
the great secular waves with which astronomy and geology 
mainly deal being probably differences due to increased 
intensity and complexity alone. 
The normal life of a wave dates from the starting-point of 
its initial impulse to its maximum of compression or retard- 
ation, and thence through the period of reaction till it 
returns to its original condition. But in vast numbers of 
cases this normal life is not completely fulfilled. The sur- 
rounding conditions being continually varied, in a succession 
of similar impulses no two will meet precisely the same 
fate. Many of them will be checked at different periods of 
their career, absorbed, divided, repelled, turned aside, or 
compounded with others ; and out of this complex adfion 
new impulses will arise to pass through similar changes, 
and so keep up the perpetual agitation and life of the 
material Universe. 
The forms of wave-motion may be indefinitely varied, but 
the three leading types are— (a) the wave of oscillation ; 
(b) the wave of undulation ; (c) the centripetal wave ; the 
wave of oscillation being represented by the simplest atomic 
movement, while all compound movements tend towards 
the undulatory or the centripetal forms. 
A simple atomic vibration in a molecule of unstable com- 
position may be followed by molecular change and re- 
composition, the effects of which are passed on through 
surrounding matter in a succession of compound waves. 
These compound waves, meeting everywhere with other 
compound waves of varied form and intensity, may either 
be dissipated early in their career, or may pass through 
their normal life, or may be taken up without dissipation 
into the life of another compound wave of greater intensity 
or wider scope. By this latter process of absorption, com- 
bined with the reverse process of subdivision, a wave of 
great initial intensity may become complex to a degree 
scarcely conceivable by the human understanding. 
From atomic vibration to a solar system is a long leap, 
but it is no more than the result of such composition of 
wave-motion carried on through indefinite time. 
