Alcohol and water are to be mixed together until the fluid is of the same specific gravity as olive oil. If, when this is effected, we drop globules of the oil into the mixed fluid, it will be seen that they take an orbicular form;--and, of course, in this experiment the power of the earth’s gravitating influence is neutralized. The same drops of oil under any other conditions would be flattened. Simple as this illustration is, it tells much of the wondrous secret of those beautifully balanced forces of cohesion and of gravitation; and from the prosaic fact we rise to a great philosophical truth. Our experiment may lead us yet farther in exemplification of known phenomena. If we pass a steel wire through one of those floating spheres of oil, and make it revolve rapidly and steadily, thus imitating the motion of a planet on its axis, the oil spreads out, and we have the spheroidal form of our earth. Increase the rapidity of this rotation, and when a certain rate is obtained the oil widens into a disc, a ring separates itself from a central globe, and at a distance from it still revolves around it.[24] Here we have a miniature representation of the ring of Saturn. This is a suggestive experiment, the repetition of which, by reflective minds, cannot fail to lead to important deductions. The phenomena of cohesion, of motion, and gravitation, are all involved; and we produce results resembling, in a striking manner, the conditions which prevail in the planetary spaces, under the influence of the same powers. If we take a glass globe, and having filled it with a fluid of the proper density, drop into it large and small globules of oil, we may produce an instructive representation of the stellar vault, with its beautiful spheres of light revolving in their respective orbits; and though crossing each other’s paths, still moving in obedience to attracting and repelling forces--onward in perfect harmony. From the centre of our earth to the utmost extremity of the universe--from the infinitely small to the immensely vast--gravitation exerts its force. It is met on all sides by physical powers acting in antagonism to it, but, like a ruling spirit, it restrains them in their wildest moods. The smallest dust which floats upon the wind Bears this strong impress of the Eternal Mind. In mystery round it, subtile forces roll; And gravitation binds and guides the whole. In every sand, before the tempest hurl’d, Lie locked the powers which regulate a world, And from each atom human thought may rise With might to pierce the mysteries of the skies,-- To try each force which rules the mighty plan, Of moving planets, or of breathing man; And from the secret wonders of each sod, Evoke the truths, and learn the power of God. FOOTNOTES: [13] Three hypotheses may be used to account for this most curious phenomenon.