Poems, by W. T. BACON, 318 337 Esq., Ode, by NICHOLAS BIDDLE, Esq., • Origin and History of Missions, P. 0. Observation on Electricity, &c., INGHAM, Original Letter from Gen. WASH- COCK, Physical and Moral Epidemics, Public and Private Economy, R. Reminiscences, 151 172 173 314 Pilgrim's Song, by GEORGE LUNT, Power of Mind, by Prof. BAB- 54 64 213 512 527 quities, Stanzas, 173 247 263, 455 The Sacrifice, 268 343 Small Children by W. H. SIM- 72 Sonnet, by PARK BENJAMIN, Esq., 81 104 113 128 Scandinavian Literature and Anti- S. 471 482 523 562 554 48, 371 64 70 Slice of BRANT, by Col. W. L. Sir Walter Scott and Mr. Cooper, 1 9 Thunder-Showers and Winds, The Cotter's Wife, by Miss H. L. Time's Telescope, 193 222, 553 T. · Twilight, by J. BRIGHT, Esq., 363 The Forest Tree, by A. B. STREET, The Stone Church, by Hon. T. A. 58 63 The Stars, by WM. CUTTER, Esq.; 127 The Peace of God,' by Miss M. 324 To an Eye, The Bard, The Unfortunate Serenade, 363 380 528 532 21 36 37 46 47 52 212 271 305 371 405 406 415 424 506 507 537 538 566 W. Weathercock on our Steeple, 29 Wilson Conworth, 97, 238, 407, 469 504 THE KNICKERBOCKER. VOL. XI. JANUARY, 1838. OBSERVATIONS No. 1. ON ELECTRICITY, LOOMING, AND SOUNDS: TOGETHER WITH A THEORY OF THUNDERSHOWERS, AND OF WEST AND NORTH-WEST WINDS. BY GEORGE F. HOPKINS, ESQ. Ir is observable in almost every operation of nature, that all fluids possess strong aggregating properties; or in other words, powerful propensities to accumulate in large masses or bodies. This fact is so familiar in the element of water, as well as in the extensive collections of vapor, which are soon embodied into clouds, that it is only necessary to make a mere allusion to them. That the same principle governs in relation to the element of electricity or fire, I presume to be no less true. The nature and properties of the sun itself, so far as they are understood, may be deemed conclusive on this point. This mighty object, the instrument of light and life, is evidently an aggregation of all the vital principle of heat that belongs to our system; though it is now well understood, that this 'ocean of flame' is not a mere collection of fire, as has been supposed, but is connected with inconceivably large masses of materials of a very solid nature. From this vast mass, most copious streams are incessantly poured upon the planets. This is well known to be indispensable to the very existence of animal and vegetable life. Perhaps, too, it is as much a primary law in the government and movements of the planets themselves, as in the propagation and preservation of animal and vegetable existence. Without the constant exercise of this most potent agency, the earth could neither be clothed with verdure, nor could there be support for the nameless tribes of living beings that inhabit it. As we approach the summer solstice, we find the earth profusely charged with heat; but it becomes much more intense afterward, in consequence of the great increase. To counteract an influence so universally predominant and strong that, were it to continue, would soon prove overwhelming, some energetic reacting principle or agent in the system was required, in order to produce a salutary corrective for it was both a wise and an indispensable provision in nature, to ordain a permanent law that should afford the requisite relief from its enervating and pernicious pressure. Without the help of some active principle of this kind, it were scarcely necessary to say, there could be no duration of life or health. Animal and vegetable existence would soon be extinguished. Every thing, in short, would perish; and in place of that splendor and beauty which VOL. XI. 1 |
Get this book in print
0 Reviews Reviews aren't verified, but Google checks for and removes fake content when it's identified Write review |