In fine, cohesion, or the attraction of aggregation, is a power employed in binding particle to particle. To cohesion, we find we have heat opposed as a repellent force; and the mysterious operations of those electrical phenomena, generally referred to as polar forces, are constantly, it is certain, interfering with its powers. In addition, we have seen that in nature there exists an agency which is capable of changing the constitution of the ultimate atoms, and of thus giving variety to each resulting mass. What this power may be, our science cannot tell; but our reason leads us, with firm conviction, to the belief that it is a principle which is, beyond all others in its subtile influences which equally universal with, appears to rise superior to gravitation; and which, like a spirituality, shadows forth to our dwarf conceptions the immensity of the divine power of the omniscient Creator. The molecular forces involve a consideration of all the known physical powers, the study of which, in their operations on matter, will engage our attention. But it is pleasant to learn, as we advance step by step in our examination of the phenomena of creation, that we may study the grand in what externally appears the simple, and learn, in the mysteries of a particle, the high truths which science has to tell of a planet. It may appear that the forces of gravitation and cohesion are regarded as identical. Many phenomena, which we are enabled to reach by the refinements of inductive inquiry, certainly present to us a striking similarity in the laws which regulate the operations of these powers; but it must be remembered that their identity is not established. So far from this, we know the law of gravitating force. Newton determined with surprising accuracy, that the action of this power diminishes with the distance as the universe square, but cohesive force is exerted only at such distances that it is impossible to determine whether or not it is subjected to the same law. To quote the words of Young: “The whole of our inquiries respecting the intimate nature of forces of any kind must be considered merely as speculative amusements, which are of no further utility than as they make our views more general, and assist our experimental investigations.”[36] FOOTNOTES: