Another World: Fragments from the Star City of MontalluyahLumley, Benjamin
Science
Another World: Fragments from the Star City of Montalluyah
Lumley, Benjamin
Utopias
The properties of our Microscopes (as of other optical instruments) are
wondrously increased by the aid of an electricity called "concentrated
light." [1]
[Footnote 1: In Montalluyah light in the ordinary state
is said to be a highly attenuated electricity.]
In our fields is found a little worm, whose body is surrounded by a
beautiful and powerful light, visible by day and by night.
While meditating on the cause of this phenomenon, it occurred to me that
the light was probably attracted and concentrated round the little
creature by its own electricity. After many experiments, my great
electricians found that this was the case, and many valuable discoveries
were the result.
A machine, called the "Enticer," charged with electricity abstracted
from this worm, is placed in a high open spot, and light is attracted
and concentrated in a marvellous manner. When the pouch for receiving
the concentrated light is fully charged, and secured against the action
of other electricities, it is detached from the machine, and its
contents are preserved for use. The appearance of concentrated light is
that of a beautiful halo.
MUSIC.
The power of music, beyond that derived from its mere execution, is
greatly influenced by the amount of electricity infused into the sounds
by the performer; and in our planet the human voice has often been known
to soothe, and sometimes to restore, a disordered brain, by awakening
the powers of some dormant division, when the electricity accompanying
the sounds is sympathetic with the light in the brain of the listener.
The human voice, other things being equal, is more electrical than
sounds from musical instruments; for in the one case the emanations of
light come direct from the living singer, whilst in the latter instance
the electricity coming from the executant passes by contact with the
instrument, and is thus transmitted through an intermediate conductor.
The beauty and effect of many of our musical instruments, and
particularly of the harp, are greatly increased by the application of
electricity.
A skilful executant on our harp can assuage the passions of a
multitude,--nay, he can excite many of the aspirations and sensibilities
ascribed in your legends to Orpheus and other mythical personages.
It is thought in Montalluyah,--though it was never demonstrated,--that a
modification of concentrated light forms the point of union between the
immortal soul and the perishable portions of man.
INTERNAL CONCENTRATED LIGHT.
There is concentrated light--the very essence of light--within
ourselves, particularly in the brain, to which the light, having
travelled about the body, is conveyed, through the instrumentality of
the blood, to the nerves and other organs.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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