CXXIII
that all these forces are only different effects of one original
force. If this is the case, we may also understand the great
harmony prevailing in all the physical laws and departments.
§ 307. We have seen further that never is a force not even
the smallest part of it existing in nature lost, but only transform
ed into another force. (If I lift up a stone from the ground, is the
force exerted not lost?)
§ 308. In each body there is contained a certain quantity,
of force, we may call it its energy, f. e. each body contains a
certain quantity of heat, or it may under proper circumstances
enter into chemical combinations etc.
§ 309. Neither man nor any power of nature is able to
produce a force not yet existent in nature; this shows, that the
sum also of natural forces cannot be increased. If we apparent
ly call forth a force, we only stimulate a force to action, which
was latent before. Even in using the force of our muscles, we
only rouse up the chemical force of the carbon contained in our
body and of the oxygen, contained in the atmosphere.
§ 310. Hence our final conclusion is this:
Neither man nor any power of nature can add or destroy
one atom of the matter, constituting the universe; in the same
manner also the energy, bequeathed by the Creator to matter,
can be neither increased nor decreased.
So far as man and nature are concerned, we believe in the
incorruptibility of matter and force.
