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THE ACTIVE FORCES OF NATURE. 71
nor the mode of action of those vibrations. Light is
shown to be a compound of seven, or of three colored
rays or vibrations, each a having special agency in de
termining vital actions. There are also chemical rays
distinct from those of light, and the rays of can light be
separated from those of heat. I use the term ray as
synonymous with a set of vibrations. All vegetables
grow under the influence of heat ; and light is neces
sary to the elaboration of the most important vegetable
products. We know little of or electricity, of its forms
and modes of action. It may be another modification
of the element of light and heat, or a force by itself, or
only one of many aromal agencies of which we have
now but obscure glimpses.
I can not doubt that every atom in nature and every
aggregate of atoms, has forces of its own, which act
upon other bodies. I can not doubt that the suns and
planets of the universe are mutually affected by their
qualities and forces. Every planet, every tree, has its
power and influence, and peculiar character. Every
animal has its own sphere of life, and its invisible aro
mas. Every human being is surrounded by such a
sphere, or rather by two spheres, perhaps more, a
physical, a psychical, or soul sphere ; and these influ
ences may be as varied as those of the sun.
I do not wish to dwell upon a subject in respect to
which our present knowledge is so vajv.i'e but shall
of effects which
have occasion in many places to speak
must be attributed to such causes as I ha e only alluded
to.
Dr. Buchanan has developed a faculty,
or the result
of an aromal power, which he calls p^rs chometry, or