Page:The Philosophy of Creation.djvu/138

 more loosely, and it operates in more varied capacities. It is higher than either rock or water because it acts upon them, and employs them as servants under its forces. The air is higher in adaptability than water, and is thus suited to perform superior functions, as exemplified in its capacity to take on the complex activity from which is sound, and to yield its soft vibrations to the delicate structure of the ear. It is also a substance taken in by both plants and animals, as in breathing, for the more direct support of life.

The air, water, and rock constitute three continuous degrees. Yet they are but one discrete degree, for the aqueous and terreous parts of the globe are but continuations of the lower atmosphere or air.

The ether is a still higher form of matter. It acts upon the air, or from within outwardly. It is the substance whereby there exist heat, light, and electricity. Its uses are superior to those of the air, having the nobler function of giving light to the eye. Its uses are more numerous than those of air, water, or rock. From its many uses, as in making land and water plastic to operating forces by means of heat, and giving light for animal and for vegetable life, it is at once recognized as of a distinctly higher order than air. Ether, being differentiated from air, and non-