Chapter XV

Conclusion. The Harmony of Nature's Laws and
Operations 341

Reference Index of Authorities Cited 349

Classified Index of Subject-Matter 353

LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS.

PAGE

Figs. 1 to 8. Types from nature, illustrating development
of a solar system from the attenuated matter of
space Frontispiece.
Fig. 9. A typical sun-spot 57
Fig. 10. Structure of the sun, analytical illustration of 60
Fig. 11. Electrical polarities of sun and planets 82
Fig. 12. Ideal view of the generation and transmission of
planetary electricity 89
Fig. 13. The aurora borealis, view of 91
Fig. 14. Diffused brush discharge of an electrical machine 91
Fig. 15. Planetary generation and transmission of electrical
energy to the sun, analytical illustration of 101
Fig. 16. Gradual discharge of electricity from one conductor
to another in a partial vacuum 103
Fig. 17. Sudden electrical discharge through the atmosphere 103
Fig. 18. Position of planets with reference to the generation
of sun-spots; maximum and minimum of electrical
action 108
Fig. 19. Analysis of a typical sun-spot 112
Fig. 20. Retardation of sun-spots in their travel across the
solar face; development to the rear and recession in
front 114
Figs. 21 and 22. Complex lines of planetary electrical action
upon the sun produced by the inclination of the solar
axis to the plane of the ecliptic 120
Figs. 23 to 29. Examples of electrical repulsion: Fig. 1,
similarly electrified pith-balls; Fig. 2, the
electrical windmill; Fig. 3, repulsion of a flame;
Fig. 4, self-repulsion around a conductor; Fig. 5,
attraction between opposite and repulsion between
similar electricities; Fig. 6, mutual repulsion
between similar + electrospheres of the earth and
the moon; Fig. 7, mutual repulsion between the
similar--electrospheres of sun and comet 124
Figs. 30 to 34. Spectra of solar light, incandescent sodium
and calcium, and the absorption and bright-line
spectra of hydrogen gas 155
Figs. 35 to 37. Reversal and neutralization of spectroscopic
lines of hydrogen in the light of a variable star
like Betelgeuse 160
Fig. 38. A double-sun nebula in process of development into
a solar system 164
Fig. 39. Double stars with complementary colors,
interpretation of the phenomena of 167
Fig. 40. A solar system which would explain the regular
variability of the star Mira 178
Fig. 41. Lineal nebula in Sobieski's Crown which has been
affected by currents in the ocean of space 189
Figs. 42 to 45. Four stages in the phenomena of a new or
temporary star, a "star in flames;" reversal of the
hydrogen lines in its spectrum 196
Figs. 46 and 47. Illustration of repulsion of the tail of a
comet by the similarly electrified solar
electrosphere; comparison with similar repulsion in
a vacuum-chamber experiment 211
Figs. 48 and 49. The electroscope, and mutual electrical
repulsion in a bundle of dry straws 225
Fig. 50. Experiment with a candle and currents of air from
between two disks, illustrating the radial
semi-rotation of a comet's tail during perihelion 230
Figs. 51 to 54. Four non-systemic gaseous nebulæ: Fig. 1,
crab nebula; Fig. 2, dumb-bell nebula; Fig. 3, lineal
nebula in Sobieski's Crown; Fig. 4, Catherine-wheel
nebula. The latter illustrates the formation of a
planetary nebula with a hollow center, or else
dispersion into the elements of space again 263
Fig. 55. Great spiral nebula in Canes Venatici and a small
adjacent nebula affected thereby 273
Figs. 56 to 59. Four gaseous nebulæ in process of development
into solar systems: Fig. 1, divergent spiral; Fig. 2,
later stage of a similar spiral; Fig. 3, subsequent
stage of rupture of the nearly circular convolutions
of a similar nebula; Fig. 4, the same stage in the
development of a solar system with a double sun 279
Fig. 60. Nucleated planetary nebula, showing its external ring
split and held apart, in part of its circumference,
by electrical repulsion 288
Fig. 61. Divergent spiral nebula on cover of book.