Contrasted Properties of Matter and the Ether
| MATTER. | ETHER. | |
| 1. | Discontinuous | Continuous |
| 2. | Limited | Unlimited |
| 3. | Heterogeneous | Homogeneous |
| 4. | Atomic | Non-atomic |
| 5. | Definite structure | Structureless |
| 6. | Gravitative | Gravitationless |
| 7. | Frictionable | Frictionless |
| 8. | Æolotropic | Isotropic |
| 9. | Chemically selective | ——— |
| 10. | Harmonically related | ——— |
| 11. | Energy embodied | Energy endowed |
| 12. | Energy transformer | Non-transformer |
| 13. | Elastic | Elastic? |
| 14. | Density | Density? |
| 15. | Heatable | Unheatable |
| 16. | Indestructible? | Indestructible |
| 17. | Inertiative | Inertiative conditionally |
| 18. | Magnetic | ——— |
| 19. | Variable states | ——— |
| 20. | Subject to shearing stress in solid | Shearing stress maintained |
| 21. | Has Secondary qualities | ——— |
| 22. | Sensation depends upon | Insensible to nerves |
Notes
1 Vortex-rings for illustration may be made by having a wooden box about a foot on a side, with a round orifice in the middle of one side, and the side opposite covered with stout cloth stretched tight over a framework. A saucer containing strong ammonia water, and another containing strong hydrochloric acid, will cause dense fumes in the box, and a tap with the hand upon the cloth back will force out a ring from the orifice. These may be made to follow and strike each other, rebounding and vibrating, apparently attracting each other and being attracted by neighbouring bodies.
By filling the mouth with smoke, and pursing the lips as if to make the sound o, one may make fifteen or twenty small rings by snapping the cheek with the finger.