Note 1 — Chapter XIX · LATENT FORCE IN INTERSTITIAL SPACES—ELECTRO-MAGNETIC RADIATION—MOLECULAR DISSOCIATION.

Take, for example, gunpowder, which is composed of three different mediums of aggregated matter, saltpetre, charcoal, and sulphur, each representing different orders of molecular density which, when associated under proper conditions, gives what is called an explosive compound. In fact it is a mass which is made susceptible at any moment by its exciter fire, which is an order of vibration, to evolve a most wonderful energy in volume many thousands of times greater than the volume it represents in its molecular mass. If it be not latent force that is thus liberated by its exciter, a mere spark, what is it? Are not the gases that are evolved in such great volume and power held latent in the molecular embrace of its aggregated matter, before being excited into action? If this force is not compressed there, nor placed there by absorption, how did it get there? And by what power was it held in its quiescent state? I contend that it was placed there at the birth of the molecule by the law of sympathetic etheric focalization towards the negative centres of neutrality with a velocity as inconceivable in its character as would be the subdivision of matter to an ultimate end. Again, what is the energy that is held in the molecular embrace of that small portion of dynamite which by slight concussion, another order of vibration, evolves volumes of terrific force, riving the solid rock and hurling massive projectiles for miles? If it is not latent power that is excited into action, what is it? Finally, what is held in the interstitial corpuscular embrace of water, which by its proper exciter another form of vibration, is liberated showing almost immeasurable volume and power? Is not this energy latent, quiet, until brought forth by its sympathetic negative exciter? Could the force thus evolved from these different substances be confined again, or pressed back and absorbed into the interstitial spaces occupied before liberation, where the sympathetic negative power of the Infinite One originally placed it?1