of new—until he found them reflected—unimpressive at last—back from the throne of the Godhead. And not only could such a being- do this, but at any epoch, should a given result be afforded him—should one of these numberless comets, for example, be presented to his inspection—he could have no difficulty in determining, by the analytic retrogradation, to what original impulse it was due. This power of retrogradation in its absolute fulness and perfection—this faculty of referring at all epochs, all effects to all causes—is of course the prerogative of the Deity alone—but in every variety of degree, short of the absolute perfection, is the power itself exercised by the whole host of the Angelic Intelligences.
Oinos, But you speak merely of impulses upon the air.
Agathos. In speaking of the air, I referred only to the earth:—but the general proposition has reference to impulses upon the ether—which, since it pervades, and alone pervades all space, is thus the great medium of creation.
Oinos'. Then all motion, of whatever nature, creates?
Agathos'. It must: but a true philosophy has long taught that the source of all motion is thought—and the source of all thought is—
Oinos. God
Agathos. I have spoken to you, Oinos, as to a child of the fair Earth which lately perished—of impulses upon the atmosphere of the Earth.
Oinos. You did.
Agathos. And while I thus spoke, did there not