Some Problems of Philosophy

There are innumerable modes of union among its parts, some obtaining on a larger, some on a smaller scale. Not all the parts of our world are united mechanically, for some can move without the others moving. They all seem united by gravitation, however, so far as they are material things. Some again of these are united chemically, while others are not; and the like is true of thermic, optical, electrical, and other physical connections. These connections are specifications of what we mean by the word oneness when we apply it to our world. We should not call it one unless its parts were connected in these and other ways. But then it is clear that by the same logic we ought to call it ‘many.’ so far as its parts are disconnected in these same ways, chemically inert towards one another or nonconductors to electricity, light and heat.