AN APOLOGUE OF CORPOREAL AND COSMICAL INFINITY. 
715 
“ ‘ The Infinite, 1 as usually conceived, is only the infinitude as of a plane; or, 
at most, is a mere multiplication of parts. Whereas, in order to rise to the full 
height of the subject, we require the infinitude, as of a sphere;—an infinite 
number of lines, radiating, in an infinitude of directions, from a common centre; 
which centre is the mind of each intelligent. For, infinity, properly appre¬ 
hended, is, like space, of four dimensions; though also, like space, only three 
of these dimensions are ever called into requisition. 1st. There is the infinity 
of worlds eternally ascending in magnitude,—not merely as an infinitely pro¬ 
gressive series, on one line; but, as an infinity of such series, on an infinity of 
lines: this gives the dimension of height. 2nd. There is the infinity of worlds 
eternally descending in magnitude, upon an infinity of divergent lines; this 
gives the dimension of depth; and these two dimensions, which are supple¬ 
mentary, each to the other, constitute the Infinitudes of Space. 3rd. The in¬ 
finity of worlds above and worlds beneath have been an infinite number of 
times hurled into destruction,—an infinite number of times rebuilt out of their 
own ruins; this introduction of the element of Time gives to infinity its third 
dimension, viz. length; and these three dimensions, multiplied into each other, 
constitute what I will term actual infinity, as opposed to, 4th, potential infinity, 
which is the Time of the infinite number of destructions and re-creations which 
yet await the sound of the trump, and the opening of the seals;—the infinite 
asymptote, which, though eternally approaching completion, yet must remain 
for ever uncompleted. This last gives the dimension of breadth , which co-ordi¬ 
nates the potential infinity that shall be, with the actual infinity that has been — 
that is; —with man’s infinity : but which, since it can never be applied to the 
other three dimensions, leaves Creation’s Infinity, though momently being 
accomplished, still eternally inchoate.” 
Here my companion paused. 
“ Pray proceed,” said I. 
“ Nay ! ” he returned ; u my task is now finished. But be pleased to remem¬ 
ber, that in my share of our conversation (rather a lion’s share, I thought to 
myself) I have sought to suggest matter for future thought,—to indicate, rather 
than even to outline, a subject which, by its nature, is illimitable. And, of 
course, you will not take everything quite au pied de lettre .” 
“ The images you have called up before me, and the ideas you have suggested, 
have quite bewildered me,” I answered him ; u for, in the face of these infinities, 
the spirit of man collapses within him, and he is even more lost than one among 
an infinitude of atoms. But as we are now at our journey’s end, I will say 
good-bye, till I meet you again at dinner; for it will take me some time to 
recover from the effects of the weird scenery you have conjured up before me.” 
I, accordingly, bade him adieu; and reaching home some two hours before 
dinner-time, determined, if possible, to bring back my perturbed mind into an 
every-day, common-place frame. To which end, after having washed off the 
dust of the road with a refreshing bath, I took down the last volume of the 
Pharmaceutical Journal, and addressed myself resolutely to its perusal. 
N.B. The experiment proved perfectly successful. 
P.S. Want of space, and respect for the patience of my readers, prevent my 
finishing here the record of this dies memorabilis. Wherefore, I stop at the 
* usque ad.’ Should there be any desire to follow the subject ‘ usque acl mala,’ 
and to hear the conversation that, after our dinner, took place over the ‘ walnuts 
and wine,’ the remainder of my notes will be available. 
3 a 2 
