the sun and the more variable stresses from the
planets are all endured by the same medium in the same space and
apparently a thousand or a million times more would not make the
slightest difference. Rupture is impossible.

Electric and magnetic stresses, acting parallel or at right angles to
the other, exist in the same space and to indefinite degrees, neither
modifying the direction nor amount of either of the others.

These various stresses have been computed to represent energy, which if
it could be utilized, each cubic inch of space would yield five hundred
horse-power. It shows what a store-house of energy the ether is. If
every particle of matter were to be instantly annihilated, the universe
of ether would still have an inexpressible amount of energy left. To
draw at will directly from this inexhaustible supply, and utilize it for
the needs of mankind, is not a forlorn hope.

The accompanying table presents these contrasting properties for
convenient inspection.

CONTRASTED PROPERTIES OF MATTER AND THE ETHER.

MATTER. ETHER.

1. Discontinuous Continuous
2. Limited Unlimited
3. Heterogeneous Homogeneous
4. Atomic Non-atomic
5. Definite structure Structureless
6. Gravitative Gravitationless
7. Frictionable Frictionless
8. AEolotropic Isotropic
9. Chemically selective ----
10. Harmonically related ----
11. Energy embodied Energy endowed
12. Energy transformer Non-transformer
13. Elastic Elastic?
14. Density Density?
15. Heatable Unheatable
16. Indestructible? Indestructible
17. Inertiative Inertiative conditionally
18. Magnetic ----
19. Variable states ----
20. Subject to shearing stress
in solid Shearing stress maintained
21. Has Secondary qualities ----
22. Sensation depends upon Insensible to nerves

CHAPTER III

Antecedents of Electricity--Nature of what is
transformed--Series of transformations for the
production of light--Positive and negative
Electricity--Positive and negative twists--Rotations
about a wire--Rotation of an arc--Ether a
non-conductor--Electro-magnetic waves--Induction
and inductive acti