Since we have to attribute such a property to the ether, we may add
that on this point it resembles a solid, and Lord Kelvin has shown
that this solid, would be much more rigid than steel. This conclusion
produces great surprise in all who hear it for the first time, and it
is not rare to hear it appealed to as an argument against the actual
existence of the ether. It does not seem, however, that such an
argument can be decisive. There is no reason for supposing that the
ether ought to be a sort of extension of the bodies we are accustomed
to handle. Its properties may astonish our ordinary way of thinking,
but this rather unscientific astonishment is not a reason for doubting
its existence. Real difficulties would appear only if we were led to
attribute to the ether, not singular properties which are seldom found
united in the same substance, but properties logically contradictory.
In short, however odd such a medium may appear to us, it cannot be
said that there is any absolute incompatibility between its
attributes.
It would even be possible, if we wished, to suggest images capable of
representing these contrary appearances.
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