In this almost infinite primal nebula, a certain class of motion is assumed. How it originated is unexplained. But what is the atomic motion of this primal homogeneous matter? From the terms given it must be as I have said. Motion of absolute likeness throughout all the profounds of space it filled; equalized motion in every atom; no difference of rate; no difference of mode. The motion of one atom is identic with the motion of all. It could never be lost; it could never increase; it could never alter. It is homogeneous, and _therefore_ changeless—balanced for ever—in itself. Says Mr. Spencer: ‘Any finite mass of diffused matter, even though vast enough to form our whole sidereal system,’ if it were of ‘absolute sphericity, absolute uniformity of composition, and absolute symmetry of relation to all forces external to it,’[11] would be homogeneous and eternally incapable of change. [Footnote 11: _First Principles_, p. 407.] And that ‘homogeneity’ is the very condition laid down for the beginning, from which mechanical evolution is to educe the universe. In the Spencerian formula there is no qualification of the term homogeneous. It postulates ‘an indefinite, incoherent homogeneity,’ that is, an indefinite cloud, with balanced motion in all its atoms which neither attracts nor repels, and is in itself infinitely incapable of change. Now, shall we not ask _how_ the first pulse, that caused the stupendously vast homogeneity to throb into the heterogeneous, arose? whence did it come? Infinite incapacity could not, unless reason be mendacious, render _itself_ capable. Then how came that _first_ movement that, it is argued, ended in revolving systems, a bountiful earth, the throat of the nightingale, and the tragedy of Macbeth! There is no answer. This philosophy, to get the first progressive movement in its balanced nebula, bids its formula stand aside, that it may advance. At a critical moment it changes the very meaning of the homogeneous. ‘The condition of homogeneity is a condition of unstable equilibrium!’[12] ‘The phrase ... is one used in mechanics to express a balance of forces of such kind that the interference of any further force, however minute, will destroy the arrangement previously subsisting, and bring about a totally different arrangement.’[13] [Footnote 12: _First Principles_, p. 401.] [Footnote 13: _Ibid._ p. 401-402.] Note, then, the homogeneous cosmic cloud is, by the terms given, in equilibrium. But some ‘further force,’ some small influence _outside_ itself, acts upon it, and it breaks up. But what is the _outside_ influence? What is this ‘further force,’ and from whence? We have a cloud composed of atoms in balanced motion—nothing more. Outside influence, ‘further force,’ is an intrusion. It has no right there. It has not on the wedding garment of the formula.