Thoughts on health and some of its conditions / [James Hinton].

  • Hinton, James, 1822-1875
Date:
1871
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Thoughts on health and some of its conditions / [James Hinton]. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    science will sufficiently appear ; and not less, we may hope, will be evident how clear and fresh a light these ideas cast on the phenomena of nature. The language of science speaks not only of Force in general (which seems abstract enough), but, as if to add to the perplexity, of Forces. Besides mechanical force, such as that which we exert by our arms, light, heat, and electricity are forces ; there are also the forces of chemical affinity, of gravity, of cohesion, and of magnetism ; and, lastly, the vital force. These complete the list. Here are “ the forces ” marshalled : the army that fights under the banner of science, or rather, perhaps, the army over which science has to gain her victory. Why all these should be called by the common name of forces we may easily see. They are all characterized by the common power of producing changes. They do that which we know it would demand an exercise of force on our part to effect. Gravity moves heavy masses ; so, under certain conditions, does heat or electricity ; so will chemical affinity or magnetism; while the vital force is the agent in our own exertions. Light seems not to be included in this list ; yet its claim to be regarded as a force rests upon a basis as evident as that of any of the rest. It alters the chemical con- stitution of bodies, causing the union or decomposi-