The assumption by which we are led to this endless series of transmissions must be clearly apprehended. We take the law—that the motion of masses only takes place when some of the motion passes off into the motion of the finer particles of matter, and we assume that it holds always.
In a lever there is a fixed point, the fulcrum, which supports it, and the power raises the weight; but the weight may be fixed, and then the fulcrum can be lifted by the power. So we obtained this law from the consideration of material relations; and now we suppose this law to be the fixed point, and shift our notions of material relations.
Thus we are landed on an endless series. Before proceeding, however, to inquire what the significance of this endless series may be, let us assume an end to it. Let us assume that we come at last to a final transmission. Let us assume that the energy is transmitted to the ultimate particles of matter.
Or, if we have gone beyond matter, let us suppose an ultimate medium which by its modifications builds up matter, and which is the last and ultimate substance.
Let us suppose this ultimate medium absolutely to receive some of the energy. Let it absolutely receive and absorb some of the energy, and thereby give rise to the difference of level, to give the ultimate permission which sets all things going.
What are the properties of this medium? We obtain an indication of what they are when we examine the properties of the finer kinds of matter. Compared with the motions of masses, motions which affect the smaller particles of bodies are infinitely quick. Light and electricity are actions affecting the smaller particles of bodies, and by them distances are speedily traversed, which relatively to moving masses are very great.
Now in point of speed of transmission the properties of this ultimate medium must be infinitely beyond those of luminiferous ether.
To this ultimate medium all movements at any distance from each other must be almost equally present at every part. At whatever distance from one another two affections of this ultimate medium be supposed to take place, the effect of the one will travel to the place of action of the other instantaneously.
Such a medium is a kind of visible symbol of the universe, being one system in which all motions should be co-determined.