The Principles of Nature, Her Divine Revelations, and a Voice to Mankind

«PART FIRST. Any theory, hypothesis, philosophy, sect, creed, or institution, that fears investigation, openly manifests its own error.» — el primero de los tres lemas que la portada imprime, uno por parte, y que la Introduction adjudica al autor: toda teoría, hipótesis, filosofía, secta, credo o institución que teme la investigación manifiesta abiertamente su propio error.

«PART SECOND. Reason is a flower of the spirit, and its fragrance is liberty and knowledge.» — el lema de la segunda parte hace de la razón una flor del espíritu cuya fragancia son la libertad y el conocimiento.

«PART THIRD. When distributive justice pervades the social world, virtue and morality will bloom with an immortal beauty; while the Sun of Righteousness will arise in the horizon of universal industry, and shed its genial rays over all the fields of peace, plenty, and human happiness!» — el lema de la tercera parte pone el resultado en lo social: donde la justicia distributiva impregne el mundo social, la virtud y la moral florecerán con belleza inmortal y el Sol de la Rectitud saldrá en el horizonte de la industria universal.

«And it is owing to his peculiar physical and mental constitution that he has been enabled, by the assistance of magnetism, to abstract himself from the gross tangibilities of the outer world, and enter that state of exceeding spiritual exaltation and mental expansion that has enabled him to dictate the book now submitted to the world.» — Fishbough enuncia el nexo del que depende todo el volumen: por su constitución física y mental peculiar el joven pudo, con ayuda del magnetismo, abstraerse de las tangibilidades groseras del mundo exterior y entrar en el estado de exaltación espiritual y expansión mental que le permitió dictar el libro.

«Young Davis happening into the tailor-shop of Mr. Levingston during the general excitement, the latter gentleman proposed a trial to magnetize him. The experiment which followed succeeded; and the boy exhibited powers of clairvoyance which were truly surprising.» — Fishbough sitúa el primer magnetismo logrado en la sastrería de Levingston, como propuesta de ocasión, y dice que el muchacho exhibió entonces poderes de clarividencia sorprendentes.

«But after submitting for two or three months to all species of tests for no other purpose than that of gratifying curiosity and establishing the reality of the clairvoyant state, the boy, while in the latter state, protested against being longer subjected to any tests, except such as might involve matters of practical utility — informing Mr. Levingston that the great object of his powers in the stage of development to which they had then attained, was to enable him to examine, and prescribe for, the diseased.» — Fishbough consigna que el propio muchacho, desde el estado clarividente, protestó contra seguir sometido a pruebas de mera curiosidad y declaró que el objeto de sus poderes en esa etapa era examinar y prescribir para los enfermos.

«He also from time to time presented many novel and highly-interesting ideas concerning the nature and powers of the human soul, seeming to demonstrate an intimate connexion between the present and the spirit world.» — y data ahí la aparición de las ideas sobre la naturaleza y los poderes del alma humana, que según el escriba parecían mostrar una conexión íntima entre el presente y el mundo de los espíritus.

«On the 7th of March, 1844, he fell, without the assistance of the magnetic process, into a strange abnormal state, during which phenomena occurred of the most surprising character. For the greater part of the time during two days, he seemed to be entirely insensible to all external things, and to live wholly in the interior world.» — el episodio sin magnetizador que el escriba fecha el 7 de marzo de 1844: dos días de insensibilidad a las cosas externas y de vida enteramente en el mundo interior.

«It was during this extraordinary state of his mental and physical system that he received information of a very general character, of his future and peculiar mission to the world.» — y es en ese estado, según el escriba, donde Davis recibió noticia de carácter muy general de su misión futura y peculiar en el mundo.

«About the first of the following August, Mr. Davis, while in the clairvoyant state, voluntarily chose Dr. Lyon to be his magnetizer during the delivery of this book, this choice neither having been solicited nor in the least degree anticipated by Dr. L.» — quién elige a quién, que es dato del arreglo: Davis, desde el estado clarividente, eligió por su voluntad a Lyon como magnetizador para la entrega del libro, sin que Lyon lo hubiera pedido ni previsto.

«On the 27th of November, 1845, residing at the time in New Haven, Connecticut, we received per mail a note from Dr. Lyon, stating that we had been appointed by Mr. Davis, while in the clairvoyant state, as the scribe to report and prepare for the press his lectures which were to commence immediately.» — y el nombramiento del escriba se hace por la misma vía: Fishbough recibe por correo la noticia de que Davis, en estado clarividente, lo ha designado escriba para tomar y preparar para la prensa sus lecciones.

«Before Mr. Davis commenced his lectures, he voluntarily, while in the abnormal state, chose the three witnesses mentioned in his address to the world, to be present as their circumstances would allow, at the delivery of the lectures, in order to be able to testify of the medium through which they were given.» — la tercera designación desde el estado anormal: los tres testigos que habrían de estar presentes en la entrega de las lecciones para poder testificar del medio por el que se dieron.

«During the delivery of each lecture the clairvoyant required that the utmost tranquillity, both mental and physical, should be preserved in the room.» — la condición que el clarividente imponía para dictar: tranquilidad mental y física absoluta en la sala.

«While in the sphere of the body (a phrase hereafter to be explained), excitement of any kind always disturbed him, as did also the presence of persons whose “spheres” were uncongenial.» — y la razón que el escriba da: en la esfera del cuerpo, expresión que el libro promete explicar más adelante, cualquier excitación lo perturbaba, igual que la presencia de personas de esferas incongeniales.

«Certainly the sympathetic transmission of a thought from one person to another, while both are in the body, is quite as inexplicable as would be the transmission of the thoughts of a disembodied spirit to a person rendered duly susceptible to sympathetic influx.» — y argumenta por paridad contra quien objete el influjo simpático: transmitir un pensamiento entre dos personas en el cuerpo es tan inexplicable como transmitirlo desde un espíritu desencarnado.

«In the first place, the magnetizer and magnetizee are seated in easy positions facing each other. The ordinary manipulations are then performed, from three to five minutes being required for the completion of the process.» — aquí arranca la descripción del procedimiento, que es lo que el escriba sostiene sobre el método: magnetizador y magnetizado sentados frente a frente y de tres a cinco minutos de manipulaciones ordinarias.

«He next assumes a position inclined either to the right or to the left, and becomes cold, rigid, motionless, and insensible to all external things. The pulsations become feeble, the breathing is apparently almost suspended, and all the senses are closed entirely to the external world.» — el estado en que dicta, descrito por fuera: frío, rígido, inmóvil e insensible, con el pulso débil, la respiración casi suspendida y los sentidos cerrados al mundo externo.

«This condition, according to his own explanation, corresponds almost precisely to that of physical death.» — y la equivalencia que el propio Davis da de ese estado, según el escriba: corresponde casi exactamente al de la muerte física.

«His mind is now entirely freed from the sphere of the body, and, consequently, from all preconceived ideas, from all theological isms, and from all influences of education and local circumstances, and all his impressions are received from the interior or spiritual world.» — y el efecto que el escriba le adjudica: mente libre de la esfera del cuerpo y por tanto de toda idea preconcebida, de todo ismo teológico y de toda influencia de educación, con las impresiones recibidas del mundo interior o espiritual.

«He associates familiarly with the inhabitants of the spirit-world, and the diversified knowledge cultivated by them is rendered accessible to his mind.» — la fuente que el escriba nombra en concreto: trato familiar con los habitantes del mundo espiritual y acceso al saber que ellos cultivan.

«The associated spirits and angels of the “Second Sphere,” are, as one grand Man, in sympathetic communication with him to transmit knowledge to mankind on earth, which they perceive the latter are for the first time prepared to receive.» — y la figura con que la describe: los espíritus y ángeles asociados de la Segunda Esfera, como un gran Hombre, en comunicación simpática con él para transmitir a los hombres de la tierra el saber que estos, según perciben, están preparados por primera vez para recibir.

«His style is much such as he would use in his normal state if a knowledge were imparted to him on the subjects on which he treats while in his elevated condition.» — Fishbough acota qué parte del texto es del estado y cuál del hombre: el estilo es el que Davis usaría despierto si tuviera ese saber, y por eso la gramática es defectuosa.

«His great object was simply to present the idea, leaving the niceties of the verbal clothing to be adjusted by myself, with the restriction that the corrections should be such as not to destroy the peculiarities of the general style and mode of expression.» — y el reparto de tareas que de ahí sale: el objeto del hablante era presentar la idea, dejando las niceties del ropaje verbal al escriba, con la restricción de no destruir las peculiaridades del estilo.

«With these unimportant qualifications, the work may be considered as paragraph for paragraph, sentence for sentence, and word for word, as it was delivered by the author.» — la declaración de literalidad con que Fishbough responde por su propia mano: salvo tres transposiciones de párrafos contiguos, párrafo por párrafo, frase por frase y palabra por palabra como lo entregó el autor.

«With the exception of striking out a few sentences and supplying others, according to direction, I have only found it necessary to correct the grammar, to prune out verbal redundancies, and to clarify such sentences as would to the general reader appear obscure.» — hasta dónde dice haber llegado su mano: suprimir algunas frases y suplir otras por indicación, corregir la gramática, podar redundancias verbales y aclarar lo oscuro.

«All ideas have been most scrupulously preserved, and great care has been taken to give them to the reader in the precise aspect in which they appeared when received from the speaker.» — y el límite que se impone: preservar todas las ideas y darlas en el aspecto preciso en que llegaron del hablante.

«Furthermore, the work was originally proposed by the clairvoyant himself; the time of its commencement was fixed upon by himself; and all the instrumentalities connected with its production have constantly been under his authoritative direction.» — la iniciativa entera se adjudica al clarividente: él propuso la obra, él fijó el momento de empezarla y bajo su dirección autoritativa estuvieron todos los instrumentos de su producción.

«It recognises infallibility, in the unrestricted sense of that term, as belonging to no being save the Deity himself.» — la respuesta que el escriba da a la pregunta por la infalibilidad, y dice sacarla de la enseñanza de la obra misma: no hay infalibilidad sin restricción salvo en la Deidad.

«But the moment any teachings, artificially expressed, are forced upon the mind under the plea of infallibility, that moment Reason and Nature are thrown aside, and the standard of belief becomes entirely arbitrary.» — y el efecto que adjudica al alegato de infalibilidad: apartar la razón y la naturaleza y volver arbitrario el estándar de la creencia.

«Reader, do not consider this book as a standard so infallible as to relieve you from the exercise of your own reason.» — la acotación que el escriba dirige al lector de frente: no tomar el libro por estándar infalible que lo releve de ejercer su propia razón.

«At each entrance into the abnormal state for the purpose of lecturing, he was capable, by an effort of a few moments’ duration, of reviewing all the manuscripts of his previous lectures» — el control interno que el escriba describe: al entrar en el estado anormal para dictar, Davis podía repasar en unos momentos todos los manuscritos de sus lecciones anteriores.

«Twenty years ago, the obstructing influence of this class of minds would have been effectual, and hence this work was not at that time given.» — la datación que el escriba da del momento de la obra: veinte años antes la influencia obstructora de esa clase habría sido eficaz, y por eso, dice, la obra no se dio entonces.

«Brethren : Fear not, for Error is mortal and can not live, and Truth is immortal and can not die!» — aquí empieza la voz de Davis en primera persona, con el saludo y el lema del Address to the World: el error es mortal y no puede vivir, la verdad es inmortal y no puede morir.

«No arbitrary or external standard shall be recognised as suitable to test the truth of what is herein presented, or the character of the truths which may be herein contained.» — Davis pone el criterio fuera del libro y de toda autoridad: ningún estándar arbitrario o externo se reconocerá como apto para probar la verdad de lo aquí presentado.

«The verdict of Nature, and not of men, is required. Inasmuch as all terrestrial creations are the spontaneous productions of the Divine mind, no truth is lessened by disbelief—no error is made true because the learned receive it as such.» — y lo formula como veredicto de la Naturaleza y no de los hombres: ninguna verdad se aminora por la incredulidad y ningún error se vuelve verdadero porque los doctos lo reciban.

«The First Part, or Key, presents a general view of theories that exist, and unfolds the foundation of the philosophy that is presented in the Second Part, which is the soul or basis of the whole superstructure.» — Davis nombra y ordena sus propias partes: la Clave da la vista general de las teorías existentes y despliega el fundamento de la filosofía de la Segunda Parte, que es el alma o base de toda la superestructura.

«The physical and mental organization of man enforces the conclusion that there are no possible limits to social progress and spiritual attainment and elevation: for man is a microcosm, or a combined expression of all the perfections contained in the Divine essence that animates and preserves the harmony of the Universe.» — la tesis del microcosmos que Davis deriva de la organización física y mental del hombre: no hay límites posibles al progreso social ni a la elevación espiritual, porque el hombre es expresión combinada de todas las perfecciones de la esencia divina.

«Moreover, I was impressed to select three witnesses, who should be present at the lectures, so that the world through them might know from what source these revelations flow.» — la segunda declaración de estar impresionado, ahora sobre la elección de los tres testigos: para que el mundo supiera por ellos de qué fuente fluyen estas revelaciones.

«There is here and there a lecture (amounting to seventeen in all) which does not contain any signature as a witness; but the identity of the source of these with that of the others will not be doubted by any one on proper investigation.» — y consigna el hueco del propio registro sin repararlo: diecisiete lecciones sin firma de testigo, cuya identidad de fuente dice que nadie dudará tras investigación adecuada.

«The first witness chosen was Rev. J. N. Parker, whose physical and mental structure predisposed him to external observation and investigation. He was inclined to perceive and understand the nature and qualities of all exterior movements—had the ability to comprehend the things related—but was inclined to outward and general observation. Therefore he was qualified to take cognizance of each physical phenomenon» — Davis adjudica a cada testigo un principio, y al primero, el Rev. J. N. Parker, la observación externa: cualificado para tomar cognición de cada fenómeno físico.

«The second witness chosen was Theron R. Lapham, who is physically and mentally qualified to perceive external manifestations, and to enter deeply into the interior of the subjects revealed.» — el segundo testigo, Theron R. Lapham, queda adjudicado a lo que penetra en el interior de los asuntos revelados y corresponde al principio de la voluntad o poder ejecutivo.

«The third witness chosen was Dr. T. Lea Smith, who was in a transition state between the artificial doctrines and philosophies of the world, and those high and more important truths which Mind only is capable of perceiving and associating with.» — y el tercero, el Dr. T. Lea Smith, en estado de transición entre las doctrinas artificiales del mundo y las verdades que solo la Mente puede percibir, corresponde al principio de la sabiduría.

«The scribe who was chosen is William Fishbough, who is physically and mentally constituted so as to preserve a harmony and dignity of outer, and a purity and goodness in his inner being.» — Davis nombra y describe a su escriba por el mismo criterio de correspondencia con que describió a los testigos.

«The manipulator, Dr. Silas Smith Lyon, is physically constituted so as to be able to impart a congenial influence to the system of the speaker, whereby the transition of the natural faculties to the spiritual sphere has been accomplished.» — Davis nombra al magnetizador con su nombre entero y le adjudica la función material del arreglo: impartir una influencia congenial por la cual se logra la transición de las facultades naturales a la esfera espiritual.

«Your duty is to search; and after searching, ask Nature and your own superior judgments how much practical truth there is herein revealed.» — el mandato final del Address, que devuelve la prueba al lector: buscar, y después preguntar a la Naturaleza y al propio juicio superior cuánta verdad práctica hay revelada aquí.

«A work of unprecedented character is here presented to the world. It consists of the consecutive reasonings and revelations of a spirit freed, by a certain physical process, the philosophy of which is explained, from the obstructing influence of the material organization, and exalted to a position which gave access to a knowledge of the structure and laws of the whole material and spiritual Universe.» — Fishbough, el escriba, abre declarando de qué clase de libro se trata: razonamientos y revelaciones consecutivos de un espíritu liberado por cierto proceso físico de la influencia obstructora de la organización material y exaltado a una posición que le dio acceso a la estructura y las leyes del universo material y espiritual entero.

«A great variety of tests were submitted, such as requiring him to visit and describe places which he had never seen, to read from a closed volume with his eyes bandaged, &e.; and the result was to establish his power of interior sight beyond dispute.» — y enumera las pruebas con que dice haberse establecido la vista interior: describir lugares nunca vistos y leer de un volumen cerrado con los ojos vendados; el troceo imprime el etcétera deformado.

«If the foregoing statements concerning Mr. Davis’s past life, opportunities, acquirements, &c., are correct, then it irresistibly follows that this book must have been dictated by some other and higher source of information than that accessible to the physical senses. That source of information we claim to be the Spiritual World.» — Fishbough saca la consecuencia y nombra la fuente: el libro tuvo que ser dictado por una fuente de información más alta que la accesible a los sentidos físicos, y esa fuente, dice, la reclaman ellos como el Mundo Espiritual.

«A sudden convulsion of the muscles, such as is produced by an electric shock, indicates that the subject is duly magnetized, immediately after which his eyes are bandaged to protect them from the light.» — la señal de que el sujeto está magnetizado es una convulsión muscular como de descarga eléctrica, y enseguida se le vendan los ojos.

«If while he is in this condition the magnetizer should by any means lose connexion with him, the vital movements of the body would cease, and the spirit would be incapable of re-entering it, as he himself has informed us.» — el riesgo que Davis mismo declara, según el escriba: si el magnetizador perdiera la conexión, los movimientos vitales cesarían y el espíritu sería incapaz de reentrar en el cuerpo.

«only are uttered at a time, which the clairvoyant requires to be repeated by Dr. Lyon, in order that he may know that he is understood.» — la cadencia material del dictado: unas pocas palabras por vez, que el clarividente exigía que el Dr. Lyon repitiera para saberse entendido; la frase abre en la plana anterior y el tramo arranca tras el salto.

«A pause then ensues until what he has said has been written, when he again proceeds; and the passage into and out of the spiritual state occurs at an average of about once every sentence.» — y el ritmo del ir y venir: pausa mientras se escribe, y paso al estado espiritual y vuelta de él una vez por frase en promedio.

«He has spoken only as directed by his interior promptings, and no portions of his work have been elicited by the interrogatories or suggestions of another. When he has spoken he has spoken spontaneously» — el modo de hablar que el escriba describe: solo por sus promptings interiores, sin que ninguna parte de la obra saliera de preguntas o sugerencias ajenas, y siempre espontáneamente; el tramo se corta en el salto de plana, donde sigue la negativa a proceder.

«Remember that although it is the production of a mind immensely exalted, and having access to the knowledge of a higher world, it is still the production of a human mind; and if the work will not stand upon its own intrinsic merits, let it he rejected.» — el límite entero, que es el pasaje más acotado del aparato: por exaltada que sea la mente que lo produjo, es producción de una mente humana, y si la obra no se sostiene por sus méritos intrínsecos, que se rechace; el troceo imprime he por be.

«Inasmuch, however, as the author establishes the principle that “particulars and minutiae can not be depended upon as connected with any great general principle» — la reserva que el escriba toma del propio autor para acotar la exactitud del detalle: los particulares y las minucias no pueden fiarse como ligados a ningún gran principio general.

«Then press onward! Exercise your choicest gift, which is Reason» — el mandato con que Davis cierra el exordio del Address: seguir adelante y ejercer el don más escogido, que es la razón; el tramo se corta en el salto de plana, donde sigue la advertencia de no temer corrupción de la verdad nueva.

«I have been impressed to speak the things contained in the following pages, not because truth was before undiscovered, but in order to give it a new and attractive form, and a power to instruct,, purify, and elevate the race.» — la fórmula con que Davis declara de dónde viene lo que sigue, y es el pasaje que sostiene la adscripción de esta ficha: haber sido impresionado para hablar lo contenido en estas páginas, no por ser antes la verdad desconocida sino para darle forma nueva y atractiva; el troceo dobla la coma.

«And also a scribe was necessary to preserve these sayings, and to prepare and present them to the general mind. And it was impossible, without a qualified manipulator, to enter the sphere of wisdom which was necessary to enable me to relate these things.» — Davis declara necesarios al escriba, para preservar y presentar los dichos, y al manipulador cualificado, sin el cual dice imposible entrar en la esfera de sabiduría necesaria para relatar estas cosas.

«There were one hundred and fifty-seven lectures in all. To the original pencilled manuscripts of one hundred and forty of these» — Davis da su propio censo de las lecciones y de los manuscritos a lápiz firmados por testigos; el tramo se corta en el salto de plana, donde sigue la cifra de doscientas sesenta y siete firmas.

«Hence he is chosen to act in this capacity, because he corresponds to love, will, and wisdom, combined.» — Davis adjudica a su escriba la combinación de los tres principios que repartió entre los testigos, amor, voluntad y sabiduría.

«Being thus situated, surrounded by witnesses earnest, desirous, and qualified to receive the truth; a scribe spiritually absorbed in the things related; and a manipulator to govern the action in delivering these things, I have been impressed without obstruction» — y cierra el arreglo entero en una frase, con las cuatro piezas nombradas: testigos, escriba y manipulador como condición de haber sido impresionado sin obstrucción; el tramo se corta en el salto de plana.

«§ 1. Reason is a principle belonging to man alone. The office of the mind is to investigate, search, and explore, the principles of Nature, and trace physical manifestations in their many and varied ramifications.» — así abre la Clave, y con ella la voz de Davis en el estado superior: la razón como principio propio solo del hombre y el oficio de la mente puesto en investigar, buscar y explorar los principios de la Naturaleza.

«And the only hope for the amelioration of the world is free thought and unrestricted inquiry. Anything which opposes or tends to obstruct this sublime and lofty principle, is wrong.» — el § 1 pone toda la esperanza de mejora del mundo en el pensamiento libre y la investigación irrestricta, y declara errado cuanto se oponga a ese principio.

«The mind can not be chained! It will leave its resting-place, and explore the fields of science; and, not satisfied with the investigation of terrestrial things, it has soared to the heavens and counted the stars.» — la figura con que sostiene que la mente no se encadena: deja su reposo, explora los campos de la ciencia y, no contenta con lo terrestre, se remonta a los cielos y cuenta las estrellas.

«Yet man has not been allowed to express sentiments irresistibly flowing into his mind. Ignorance, superstition, and bigotry, have wielded a tyrannical sceptre, and sectarianism has usurped the dominion over the human soul!» — y el contraste en que apoya el diagnóstico de la primera parte: al hombre no se le ha dejado expresar lo que le fluye a la mente, porque la ignorancia, la superstición y el fanatismo han empuñado un cetro tiránico y el sectarismo ha usurpado el dominio del alma.

«Man has rights founded in principles of Nature. These rights have been perverted, crushed, and prostrated.» — Davis funda los derechos del hombre en los principios de la Naturaleza y los da por pervertidos, aplastados y postrados.

«Sectarian usurpation must bear the charge. It has, in its long career, crushed and prohibited the free exercise of moral and intellectual attainment.» — el § 1 adjudica el cargo a la usurpación sectaria, a la que atribuye haber prohibido el ejercicio libre de la conquista moral e intelectual.

«The world is existing on wrong foundations. The interests of one person are in direct opposition to the interests of another; and what is one man’s interest results in another’s misfortune.» — el enunciado que la tercera parte del libro retomará entero: el mundo existe sobre fundamentos errados, y el interés de uno se opone al de otro de modo que lo que a uno beneficia resulta en desgracia de otro.

«It is from this cause that the world, instead of harmonizing in all its parts and ramifications, is in a disorganized state» — y la consecuencia que saca de la absorción individual de los derechos comunes: el mundo, en vez de armonizar en sus partes, está en estado desorganizado.

«One principle, one foundation, one faith, one interest, one universal and eternal asylum, shall exist for the whole world of mankind!» — la fórmula de lo que anuncia en su lugar: un principio, un fundamento, una fe, un interés y un asilo universal y eterno para todo el género humano.

«But he is immorally situated, whose interest tells him one thing, while his conscience and duty tell him another.» — la definición de situación inmoral con que el § 2 desplaza el reproche del individuo a su posición: está inmoralmente situado aquel cuyo interés le dice una cosa y cuya conciencia y deber le dicen otra.

«Circumstances are thought irresistibly to control the world, both collectively and individually; and, under this impression, man has consented to be controlled by them.» — y el § 2 objeta la creencia de que las circunstancias gobiernan irresistiblemente el mundo, a la que atribuye el consentimiento del hombre en ser gobernado por ellas.

«It is the interest of every institution to confine its knowledge to itself; whereas, it should be both the principle and interest of all such to cause their knowledge to become universal.» — la crítica de las instituciones del saber: su interés es confinar el conocimiento en sí mismas, cuando su principio debería ser volverlo universal.

«The situations of professional men are exceedingly corrupting and vitiating. Those who would be honest, can not; for their interests oppose.» — y la extiende a los profesionales: sus situaciones son corruptoras y viciantes, y quienes querrían ser honestos no pueden porque sus intereses se oponen.

«Truth is an eternal principle; and any institution, creed, denomination, or any influence of a sectarian character, that opposes in any way the free and unrestrained investigation of truth, must evidently be founded on ignorance, superstition, and bigotry.» — Davis deriva del carácter eterno de la verdad el criterio con que juzga instituciones y credos: lo que se oponga a la investigación libre está fundado en ignorancia, superstición y fanatismo.

«Every principle opposed to free and unrestrained investigation shows distinctly the fear of light and knowledge.» — y lo formula como señal: todo principio opuesto a la investigación libre muestra distintamente el miedo a la luz y al conocimiento.

«Association, when based upon true and natural principles, is proper and highly advantageous; but when perverted and arbitrarily formed, it is exceedingly evil and vitiating.» — el § 2 acota de antemano la asociación, que es la palabra sobre la que descansará la tercera parte: es propia y ventajosa sobre principios verdaderos y naturales, y sumamente mala cuando se forma arbitrariamente.

«§ 3. Inasmuch as man is governed by interest, this is in reality his principle; and the general object to be aimed at is to change his interests to the interests of the whole.» — el § 3 fija el objetivo general del libro entero: no negar que el hombre se gobierne por el interés, sino cambiar su interés al interés del todo.

«And by an abandonment of all sense of justice and righteousness, you have enslaved these, and thus held a part of your own species in physical and legal servitude!» — y el cargo: por abandono de todo sentido de justicia se ha esclavizado a esos seres, manteniendo en servidumbre física y legal a una parte de la propia especie.

«The mental slavery of generations past bears a resemblance to the physical slavery of the present.» — la comparación con que cierra el pasaje y enlaza las dos mitades de su argumento: la esclavitud mental de las generaciones pasadas se parece a la esclavitud física del presente.

«The physician feels it his interest to have but little knowledge prevail concerning the physiological and anatomical structure of the human system» — el ejemplo médico del interés contra el saber: al médico le conviene que prevalezca poco conocimiento de la estructura fisiológica y anatómica del cuerpo.

«§ 4. Society is thus existing on wrong foundations—is based upon a mistake and misconception of the real principle which actuates man.» — el § 4 resume el diagnóstico: la sociedad existe sobre fundamentos errados, basada en un error de concepción del principio real que mueve al hombre.

«Then this earth will be one grand and universal garden, the true Eden of existence; and then, too, will mankind, as one nation, be like their representative, standing perfect in this garden, without spot or blemish.» — la figura del Edén restituido con que cierra el § 4: la tierra vuelta un jardín universal y la humanidad como una nación, perfecta y sin mancha como su representante.

«All parts will be joined to compose one vast harmonious whole; and then will be the true millennium!» — y el nombre con que llama a ese estado, tomado del vocabulario cristiano que en otras planas critica: el verdadero milenio.

«These prophetic thoughts are not merely the result of a heated imagination; but they are conclusions arrived at by direct appeals to cause and effect—inductions drawn from a comparison of past and present generations.» — Davis acota el estatuto de lo que acaba de decir: no son resultado de imaginación acalorada sino conclusiones por apelación directa a causa y efecto e inducciones de la comparación de generaciones.

«Truth is a positive principle: Error is a negative principle; and as truth is positive and eternal, it must subdue error, which is only temporal and artificial.» — el par positivo y negativo, que es el esqueleto lógico del libro: la verdad es principio positivo y eterno y por eso ha de subyugar al error, que es temporal y artificial.

«He will complain of the great laws which compose and govern the Universe, and dare to suggest alterations and improvements in their operations.» — el retrato del sabio vanidoso con que corta su propio optimismo: se queja de las grandes leyes del Universo y osa sugerir alteraciones y mejoras en su operación.

«This skepticism is honest; this honesty is virtue; this virtue is the principle which should govern man in all his mental and moral actions.» — y la valoración que da de esos escépticos, que distingue de los otros: el escepticismo honesto es virtud, y esa virtud es el principio que debe gobernar al hombre.

«But I have frequently been in connexion with persons whom I have found to be dishonest skeptics, and who concealed the same by wearing a fashionable cloak of hypocrisy.» — la otra clase que nombra, y de la que dice esperar crítica y obstrucción: escépticos deshonestos que lo ocultan con una capa de hipocresía a la moda.

«But to the honest inquirer after truth, this Revelation is submitted, that by it he may become convinced of, and familiar with, the immutable laws which govern Nature and man.» — y a quién dirige el libro, con el nombre que le da: al inquiridor honesto se somete esta Revelación para que se familiarice con las leyes inmutables que gobiernan la Naturaleza y al hombre.

«§ 7. Outward searching after truth, and inductions drawn from the appearances of substances external, has been thought the only process by which man can demonstrate tangible realities.» — el § 7 abre la crítica del método sensorial: la búsqueda hacia fuera y la inducción por las apariencias se han tenido por el único proceso de demostrar realidades tangibles.

«This reasoning is the true reasoning —proving visible effects by imperceptible and invisible causes.» — y opone el razonamiento que llama verdadero: probar los efectos visibles por causas imperceptibles e invisibles.

«There are such things as general causes to produce general effects: but there is not such a thing as a general cause manifesting invariably both general and minute effects, particularly when these effects are looked for or expected in forms.» — la reserva que el escriba citaba en su Introduction, aquí en su sitio: hay causas generales que producen efectos generales, pero no una causa general que manifieste invariablemente efectos generales y minutos a la vez.

«The science of Physiology has also been proved in generals, but not in particulars.» — Davis aplica esa reserva a las ciencias del hombre una por una, y de la fisiología dice que está probada en lo general y no en lo particular.

«The science of Phrenology has been proved demonstratively to every erudite man of science, and is admitted to be true as regards its foundation and general phenomena.» — y de la frenología, que la da por probada demostrativamente en cuanto a fundamento y fenómenos generales.

«Thus man, making the external the test of truth and reality, becomes invariably and inevitably deceived.» — la conclusión del § 7: haciendo de lo externo la prueba de la verdad y de la realidad, el hombre queda invariable e inevitablemente engañado.

«The whole world of mankind can give in their united testimonies that they positively and absolutely see the sun rising in the east, and setting in the west.» — la ilustración con que cierra el argumento y que toma de la astronomía: todo el género humano puede testificar unido que ve el sol salir por el este y ponerse por el oeste.

«Inward, searching after truth has established the cause of this phenomenon, and proved that the sun does not move.» — y la contrapartida con que la remata: la búsqueda hacia dentro fijó la causa del fenómeno y mostró que el sol no se mueve; el tramo cruza de plana.

«True philosophy embraces both of these processes of reasoning—synthetically from effect to cause, and analytically from cause to effect. The philosopher who pursues only one of these processes, is not a philosopher; but he who adopts both, is a true philosopher, and has true philosophy.» — la definición de filósofo verdadero por la conjunción de los dos procesos, sintético del efecto a la causa y analítico de la causa al efecto.

«§ 8. That my meaning may be more distinctly comprehended, let it be observed that the body is a form, is transient, is changeable: the internal is not changeable.» — el § 8 fija el par sobre el que se apoyará toda la cosmogonía de la segunda parte: el cuerpo es forma, transitorio y cambiable, y lo interno no es cambiable.

«The man is the internal: the effect or form is external. The mind is not acted upon by, but acts on, the body.» — y la consecuencia que saca para el hombre y para la mente: el hombre es lo interno, y la mente no es actuada por el cuerpo sino que actúa sobre él.

«First, we are to commence at the First Cause, and trace causes to their effects, until we reach the human body, which is an ultimate effect of the Great Cause.» — Davis anuncia el orden de su propio libro: empezar en la Causa Primera y trazar las causas hasta sus efectos hasta llegar al cuerpo humano, efecto último de la Gran Causa.

«The sphere of one man can approach that of another only in accordance with the laws of a natural congeniality» — y enuncia la ley de las esferas personales, que el aparato ya había usado al describir las sesiones: una esfera se acerca a otra solo conforme a las leyes de una congenialidad natural.

«Mohammedanism has wielded her tyrannical sceptre, and in her career she has crushed thousands to the earth.» — el § 3 nombra al mahometismo entre las instituciones cuyo cetro tiránico dice haber aplastado a millares.

«And there are beings now existing as perfect as any others in size, symmetry, and physiological structure; governed by the same feelings, affections, and natural associations; manifesting the same instinctive and genuine affections» — el pasaje contra la esclavitud: hay seres tan perfectos como cualesquiera en tamaño, simetría y estructura fisiológica, gobernados por los mismos afectos; el tramo se corta en el salto de plana.

«As a physician, he will tell you so; as a man, he will utterly disapprove and abhor this state of things.» — el desdoblamiento con que Davis evita el reproche personal al médico: como médico lo dirá así, como hombre desaprobará y aborrecerá ese estado de cosas.

«the amount of inebriacy that prevails in the world; and the degradation of man through ignorance, adds to his profits by promoting unrestrained indulgence in beastly gratifications.» — el segundo ejemplo del interés contra el bien común, el del destilador, cuyo provecho crece con la degradación por ignorancia; la frase abre en la plana anterior y el tramo arranca tras el salto.

«Seven times have I been requested to explain the nature and composition of Spirit. What an age to ask such a question!» — una de las pocas veces en que la voz habla de su propia situación y la data por el número de veces: siete veces le han pedido explicar la naturaleza y composición del Espíritu.

«Proof of this state, and of the source from which I received these impressions, must be made apparent and conspicuous before you feel yourself constrained to admit the contents of the following Revelation.» — Davis pone él mismo la carga de la prueba: el estado y la fuente de sus impresiones han de hacerse patentes antes de que el lector se sienta constreñido a admitir lo que sigue.

«In order that the real foundation of my impressions may be established, it is necessary to first explain the admitted science known as Animal Magnetism» — y declara por dónde empezará a fundamentarlas: por la ciencia admitida del magnetismo animal, sobre la cual explicará después su estado.

«The foundation of this science can not be doubted: for it is admitted that there are existing two fluids, which may here be termed Magnetism and Electricity.» — el punto de partida físico que toma por admitido: la existencia de dos fluidos, que aquí llama magnetismo y electricidad.

«§ 10. Each of these senses may and does perform its office indirectly upon the mind, without any direct interference or connexion with anything external.» — el § 10 sostiene que cada sentido puede ejercer su oficio indirectamente sobre la mente sin conexión directa con nada externo, y lo apoya, dice, en la experiencia del sueño de cualquiera.

«This proves that there is an internal medium of sensation by which the mind enjoys its capacity as if the external were in connexion with the world.» — y saca del sueño la existencia de un medio interno de sensación por el cual la mente goza de su capacidad como si lo externo estuviera conectado con el mundo.

«This foundation is the muscular and sympathetic nerves. A synopsis of the theory is as follows : Man possesses two coatings, which are classified as the serous and mucous surfaces.» — la anatomía en que apoya ese medio: los nervios musculares y simpáticos, y las dos capas serosa y mucosa del cuerpo.

«The muscular nerves are controlled by the mind, while the sympathetic, or nerves of sensation, are the medium of actuating the mind, whose motion produces thought.» — y el reparto que hace entre ellos: los nervios musculares gobernados por la mente, y los simpáticos o de sensación como medio que actúa sobre la mente, cuyo movimiento produce el pensamiento.

«The ethereal substance which serves as a medium, may be termed Magnetism. The muscular motion of the system is performed through the medium of the substance which may be termed Electricity.» — Davis nombra las dos sustancias de su física: magnetismo para el medio etéreo y electricidad para lo que ejecuta el movimiento muscular del sistema.

«But when all parts are in perfect unison and harmony, then the system is thoroughly magnetized. In order to demagnetize it, you must in some way overcome the equilibrium, and extract the positive power by a power still more positive; and this will produce the unconscious state called the magnetic.» — la definición operativa del estado magnético: vencer el equilibrio y extraer el poder positivo con un poder más positivo todavía.

«Magnetism composes the sphere — rather the atmosphere — by which every person is individually surrounded.» — y de ahí saca la esfera personal que el aparato usaba al describir las sesiones: el magnetismo compone la atmósfera que rodea individualmente a cada persona.

«This fluid being withdrawn, the patient is not susceptible of external impressions, simply because the medium by which these are transmitted is absent.» — la explicación de la insensibilidad del magnetizado: retirado el fluido, el paciente no es susceptible de impresiones externas porque falta el medio que las transmite.

«The subject and operator form one system in power. There is a visible disunion, yet there does exist an invisible union.» — la figura del arreglo de las sesiones dicha como física: sujeto y operador forman un sistema en poder, con desunión visible y unión invisible.

«To be a disbeliever, man requires in reality the same amount of evidence that he does to become a believer.» — y la exigencia simétrica que de ahí saca: descreer pide en realidad la misma cantidad de evidencia que creer.

«Thus the phenomenon, known as magnetic, does not controvert or subvert in any way the laws of Nature; but instead thereof, such should be looked upon as a progression and further development of the laws which govern organic beings.» — la tesis con que niega lo sobrenatural al fenómeno magnético: no contraviene las leyes de la Naturaleza sino que es progresión y desarrollo ulterior de las que gobiernan a los seres orgánicos.

«There are properly four magnetic states. In the first, no particular phenomena are witnessed, only that, the external organs being in some measure divested of their ordinary share of magnetism, a feeling of dulness pervades the system.» — Davis numera cuatro estados magnéticos y describe el primero, en el que no se ve fenómeno particular más que una sensación de embotamiento.

«The next state, or the second, manifests itself through the mental organization. The patient still manifests his intellectual faculties, but is deprived of all muscular power.» — el segundo estado, que se manifiesta por la organización mental: conserva las facultades intelectuales y pierde toda potencia muscular.

«In the latter part of this state all sensation and feeling is destroyed, so that any surgical operation can be performed without giving pain.» — y la consecuencia quirúrgica que le adjudica: destruida toda sensación, cualquier operación puede practicarse sin dolor.

«The chain of sympathy which connects the mind of the operator with that of his subject, is animal electricity, — the same fluid which is the agent of all muscular motion.» — el § 12 identifica la cadena de simpatía entre operador y sujeto con la electricidad animal, el mismo fluido del movimiento muscular.

«The operator sits down with the determination to put his subject to sleep : all the powers of his mind are concentrated on this object. His will being exercised to this point, the electric fluid passes from his own brain and nerves, to the brain and system of his patient, and forms between the two, a chain of sympathy.» — y describe la operación por la voluntad concentrada del operador, cuyo fluido eléctrico pasa de su cerebro y nervios a los del paciente.

«This is often supposed to be the clairvoyant state; but it is not. It stands in analogy to natural somnambulism» — Davis niega que el tercer estado sea ya la clarividencia y lo pone en analogía con el sonambulismo natural, distinguiéndolos solo por el modo de inducirse.

«Death is produced by the loss of both forces; but the clairvoyant state is produced by the blending of the forces of the two persons, and making them physically equivalent to one.» — la distinción que sostiene todo el arreglo del libro: la muerte se produce por la pérdida de las dos fuerzas, y el estado clarividente por la fusión de las de dos personas en el equivalente físico de una.

«A great question now presents itself for investigation: Is there such a thing existing as independent clairvoyance? I answer, There is.» — Davis plantea la pregunta por la clarividencia independiente y la responde afirmativamente antes de dar la prueba.

«But if the word is intended to mean free from direct instigation, then it has meaning; and to it this signification should be attached.» — y acota la palabra independiente, que no toma por autoexistente ni desconectada sino por libre de instigación directa.

«Forms of all things make an impression, or rather cast a reflection upon the mind, which reflection is the idea.» — el § 13 define la idea como el reflejo que las formas arrojan sobre la mente.

«All thoughts, in one word, may be termed irresistible impressions. The cause of all such is invisible.» — y resume su psicología en una palabra: todos los pensamientos pueden llamarse impresiones irresistibles, de causa invisible.

«Thought is dependent; mind is independent, not existing with the body as a component part of its constitution, but is an ultimate of organization; and thought is an ultimate of both.» — el orden que fija entre los tres términos: el pensamiento es dependiente, la mente independiente y no parte componente del cuerpo sino último de la organización.

«When the mind becomes free from the organization, and is launched from its nidulated state, it passes into a new sphere of existence. Impressions of truth, of virtue, of principles which govern, control, and actuate, tangible and physical substances, all converge to one Focus. This I call the Fountain, the Sun, the Great Illuminator, the unchangeable, eternal Positive Mind!» — aquí nombra por primera vez el centro de toda su cosmogonía, al que llama a la vez Fuente, Sol, Gran Iluminador y Mente Positiva inmutable y eterna.

«From this Focus then I receive impressions of the many and various principles and mediums which exist between the mind and the objects to which it aspires.» — Davis declara de qué foco recibe sus impresiones, y lo distingue del Foco de toda existencia.

«I do not pass to the Focus of all existence, but to the focus of this existence — which is analogous to the expansion and centre of every wheel of existence.» — y lo acota con la figura de la rueda: no pasa al Foco de toda existencia sino al foco de esta, análogo al centro de cada rueda.

«§ 14. In a wheel, there is but one centre : so at this Focus, there is but one Principle, one united attribute of Goodness and Truth.» — el § 14 deriva de la unicidad del centro de la rueda la unicidad del principio en el Foco, atributo unido de Bondad y Verdad.

«The sun produces light: it can not produce darkness.» — y la analogía solar con que lo sostiene: el sol produce luz y no puede producir tiniebla.

«There is another distinct principle, which appears and is evident to me as Spirit.» — Davis distingue en el hombre un tercer término además del cuerpo y sus fuerzas, que le es evidente como Espíritu.

«Also there is a mediator, or medium connecting the spirit with the body. This mediator I know as sensation.» — y nombra el mediador que une espíritu y cuerpo: la sensación, cuya desunión produce la disolución física y la elevación espiritual a otra esfera.

«The man is the internal of the body, occupying the organs as instruments for external communication; and when transferred, he retains all the senses, in a spiritual condition.» — la doctrina de la supervivencia dicha en una línea: el hombre es lo interno del cuerpo, que ocupa los órganos como instrumentos, y al transferirse retiene todos los sentidos en condición espiritual.

«When I pass off into the independent state of clairvoyance to receive impressions, I receive them as the knowledge of the reality (or essence) of the substance which I had a previous desire to investigate.» — Davis describe qué recibe en el estado independiente: el conocimiento de la realidad o esencia de la sustancia que previamente deseó investigar.

«There I do not have any counsellor or informer, but I receive the reality of what I request.» — y la negativa que lo aparta de la mediumnidad de consulta: allí no tiene consejero ni informante, sino que recibe la realidad de lo que pide.

«Every particle of matter possesses the same power which governs the whole Universe; and in each particle you see a representation and evidence of these divine laws.» — el § 15 enuncia la doctrina de la correspondencia entre la parte y el todo: cada partícula posee el mismo poder que gobierna el Universo entero.

«Thus in the stone you may see the properties of the soil; in the soil, the properties of the plant; in the plant, the properties of an animal: in the animal you see Man, — and in Man you can not see, but you can feel, the immortal principle.» — y la escala con que la ilustra, de la piedra al suelo, del suelo a la planta, de la planta al animal y del animal al hombre, donde el principio inmortal ya no se ve sino que se siente.

«I do not receive these from the Great Supreme Mind, but from this second sphere, focus, or medium, which legitimately belongs to this globe alone.» — la acotación más precisa que da de su fuente, y que contradice la lectura devota: no recibe del Gran Supremo sino de esa segunda esfera o foco que pertenece solo a este globo.

«My information is not derived from any persons that exist in the sphere into which my mind enters', but it is the result of a Law of truth, emanating from the Great Positive Mind, and pervading all spheres of existence.» — y lo dice otra vez por negación de las personas: su información no viene de nadie que exista en esa esfera sino de una Ley de verdad que emana de la Gran Mente Positiva.

«It is impossible for any one to enter voluntarily that state in which he can view with clearness things belonging to a sphere of existence higher than the natural world. Were such a thing to take place, that moment death would necessarily and inevitably ensue.» — la razón por la que el arreglo exige un magnetizador: nadie puede entrar voluntariamente en ese estado sin que sobrevenga la muerte.

«To some, however, it is possible to go voluntarily into a state in which the mind is greatly developed, and made cognizant of principles and truths pertaining to this mundane sphere.» — y la excepción que admite: hay quienes entran voluntariamente en un estado de mente muy desarrollada, cognoscente de principios de esta esfera mundana.

«During his hours of slumber, he often received impressions which led him to extensive generalizations; and such was the source of those excellences in his works which have so long been the admiration of the world.» — el primero de los cuatro antiguos a quienes Davis adjudica ese estado, que el escriba identifica al pie como Aristóteles: impresiones recibidas durmiendo, de las que dice venir lo más admirado de su obra.

«A celebrated orator* of the same country frequently went into the same state of mind. Some of his best impressions were received during his hours of slumber.» — el segundo, que la nota del escriba identifica como Demóstenes, con sus mejores impresiones recibidas durante el sueño.

«A distinguished ancient physician* also received impressions in the same way, which led him to analyzations of the properties of plants, and to the discovery of their medicinal applications» — el tercero, que la nota identifica como Galeno, con los análisis de las propiedades de las plantas y el hallazgo de sus aplicaciones medicinales.

«He also had visions of the future state; but not being in independent clairvoyance, these were not in all respects perfect.» — Davis acota las visiones del estado futuro de ese filósofo sueco: al no ser de clarividencia independiente, no eran perfectas en todo respecto.

«Such impressions were of the same species with those which I receive, though theirs were received through a different medium, and were measurably clouded by the organization.» — y marca la diferencia de grado que reclama para sí: impresiones de la misma especie que las suyas, pero recibidas por otro medio y nubladas por la organización.

«Mathematically speaking, two feet from where I now sit is as much into the future state as any other distance.» — la corrección más neta que hace a la idea corriente del más allá: hablando matemáticamente, dos pies de donde está sentado son tanto el estado futuro como cualquier otra distancia.

«Furthermore, the manner in which I obtain my information, may be compared to a process of chemical analysis.» — la comparación con que explica su método: un proceso de análisis espiritual, como el químico que separa los constituyentes de un cuerpo hasta hallar sus elementos simples.

«I pass from the body with a desire for a particular kind of information. This desire attracts the particular kind of truth of which I would be informed, separates it from all other things, and causes it to flow into the mind.» — y el papel que da al deseo en ese análisis: el deseo atrae la clase particular de verdad, la separa de todo lo demás y la hace fluir a la mente.

«The worm, while in its pupa state, passes through successive changes, till it arrives at the form of the caterpillar. We can see a further metamorphosis : the caterpillar knows not of it. The butterfly is conscious of its former encasement.» — el § 16 ilustra la metamorfosis de la vida interior con la del gusano, la oruga y la mariposa, para separar la evidencia de los sentidos de la consciencia del cambio en la criatura.

«To make the understanding analogically convinced of the ultimation of matter termed spirit, it is necessary to commence at the beginning of all things formal and rudimental, and trace them evidently and naturally to their ultimate perfection.» — y el programa que de ahí saca para el libro entero: empezar en el comienzo de todas las cosas formales y rudimentales y trazarlas hasta su perfección última.

«Again : The expression “I see,” which I frequently use in familiar conversation during examinations of various descriptions, would, literally understood, convey a wrong impression.» — Davis enmienda su propio vocabulario: la expresión que usa al examinar, entendida literalmente, daría una impresión errada.

«So it is knowledge, sight being simply a process to convey inward the existence of the outer.» — y da la traducción exacta de esa expresión, que es conocimiento y no visión óptica.

«§ 18. In bringing my remarks on Animal Magnetism and Clairvoyance to a close, it would not be inappropriate to recapitulate the arguments adduced to prove the phenomena.» — el § 18 cierra el tratado del magnetismo y la clarividencia recapitulando sus tres argumentos.

«Thirdly : That the source of the impressions which I receive, exists in, and corresponds with, the second Sphere, or the ultimate of this sphere» — y el tercero de esos argumentos vuelve a fijar la fuente: la segunda Esfera, o el último de esta esfera, con la que se corresponde.

«Matter corresponds to Life, or the law of activity. Matter and life correspond to production and reproduction. These correspond to, and represent the existence of plants.» — la escala de correspondencias con que Davis sostiene su tercer argumento, el de la representación, desde la materia y la vida hasta las plantas.

«There is a continual antagonism between faith and doubt. The true reasoner stands as a mediator between the two.» — la posición que Davis adjudica al razonador verdadero, entre el antagonismo continuo de la fe y la duda.

«The medium existing between thought and thought, between mind and mind, and between time and eternity» — Davis nombra el único medio activo del que dice depender: el que existe entre pensamiento y pensamiento, entre mente y mente y entre el tiempo y la eternidad; el tramo se corta en el salto de plana.

«I am not impulsed or impressed by the thoughts or feelings of a foreign person, though I am cognizant of them through the medium above termed ethereal.» — y niega expresamente el influjo ajeno que el escriba había planteado como objeción: no es impulsado ni impresionado por los pensamientos o sentimientos de una persona extraña, aunque sea cognoscente de ellos.

«This fills all negative substances. Worlds, their forces, their physical existences» — y fija la relación de todo lo demás con ese centro: los mundos y sus fuerzas y existencias físicas son negativos respecto de esa Mente Positiva; el tramo se corta en el salto de plana.

«When I pass from the body, it is not the distance— the indefinite space through which the mind proceeds, that is necessary to enable it to obtain its information; but it is the transition or metamorphosis of the principle of mind to its second sphere of existence.» — la corrección que hace sobre el modo de entender su estado: no es la distancia ni el espacio recorrido sino la transición o metamorfosis del principio de la mente a su segunda esfera.

«A similar mental phenomenon often happened in a still more perfect degree with a noted Swedish philosopher and psychologist,* who flourished within the last century.» — el cuarto de los antiguos a quienes Davis adjudica ese estado, que la nota del escriba identifica como Swedenborg y es el único moderno de la lista.

«Besides these, several Chinese and several Germans, and other writers who have had the most influence upon the world, received the leading ideas which characterize their works» — y extiende la lista sin nombres a varios chinos y alemanes y a otros escritores de mayor influencia sobre el mundo.

«For instance, I know not now what I shall say the next moment, but must first» — la consecuencia sobre su propio dictado, que es dato del procedimiento: no sabe lo que dirá al momento siguiente sin antes pasar en busca de los pensamientos; el tramo se corta en el salto de plana.

«All ultimates, to me, are still matter; but to you they are spirit. These appertain to the second Sphere, or ultimate condition, which» — la fórmula más apretada de su monismo, que es donde su vocabulario se aparta del de la teología: lo que para el lector es espíritu, para él sigue siendo materia, perteneciente a la segunda Esfera.

«while to me the word “supernatural” has no meaning. All natural things can not produce supernatural; but this term is only applied to effects when their causes are not evident.» — la negativa a lo sobrenatural dicha en primera persona: para él la palabra no tiene significado, y el término solo se aplica a los efectos cuyas causas no son evidentes.

«The forces that act upon the least particle of matter, presenting positive and negative manifestations, are representative of that great eternal Positive and Negative Principle which governs all matter. The mind of man represents the Great Mind.» — el término superior de la escala de correspondencias, donde las fuerzas positiva y negativa de la partícula representan al Principio eterno y la mente del hombre a la Gran Mente.

«The great distinction between Life and Sensation has never been named or properly understood in philosophical and psychylogical disquisitions.» — Davis reclama para sí una distinción que dice nunca nombrada ni entendida en las disquisiciones filosóficas, la de Vida y Sensación; el troceo imprime la última palabra deformada.

«If there is a principle of inertia existing in Matter, then man possesses the power to create; but if there is not such a thing existing, then man has merely the power of developing.» — la disyuntiva con que abre su física: si hay inercia en la materia, el hombre tiene poder de crear; si no la hay, solo tiene poder de desarrollar.

«That a living and moving principle exists even in stones, is rendered evident to the senses by the appearance on their surface of decomposition and decay. Where decomposition takes place, recomposition must also occur; for matter is indestructible.» — la prueba que ofrece de que hasta en las piedras hay principio viviente: donde hay descomposición ha de haber recomposición, porque la materia es indestructible.

«Also when mines are found not so thoroughly developed as the geologists or miners expected to find them, they often leave them to grow, germinate, or “get ripe,” as they express it.» — y el segundo indicio, tomado del habla de los mineros: dejar la mina para que crezca, germine o madure.

«The truth is, there is a mutual affinity existing between all forms and substances throughout Nature, including the mineral, vegetable, and animal kingdoms.» — Davis objeta a los químicos su regla de las afinidades: sostiene que hay afinidad mutua entre todas las formas y sustancias de la Naturaleza, incluidos los tres reinos.

«If there is an infected place upon the body, such as a sore or wound, you may see, in its action of healing, a representation of all Nature.» — y la figura con que lo ilustra, que es de su oficio de examinador de enfermos: en la cicatrización de una herida se ve una representación de toda la Naturaleza.

«For the least substance in existence contains within itself the specific forces and essences that exist in the remotest sphere in immensity.» — el enunciado más apretado de su doctrina de la correspondencia: la menor sustancia contiene las fuerzas y esencias específicas que existen en la esfera más remota de la inmensidad.

«Motion is then coexistent, coessential, and coeternal with Nature.» — el § 21 fija la relación del movimiento con la Naturaleza en tres términos: coexistente, coesencial y coeterno.

«What is known as Motion, is not properly Life; for Motion exists where Life does not.» — y separa movimiento de vida, que es la distinción que reclamaba: el movimiento existe donde la vida no existe.

«Particles may accumulate from the combined elements in the interior of the earth, to form what is termed ore. And this can not remain inactive when it is formed, but progresses to metal.» — Davis aplica la progresión a los metales: lo que se acumula como mineral no puede quedar inactivo y progresa a metal.

«A peculiar kind of earth is perfected, and has the essential property of associating with, and forming mineral; while, by a long and imperceptible progression, earth and minerals associate with and form vegetable existence. By a gradual progression and refinement, particles of the mineral and vegetable kingdoms are rendered capable of becoming the substance of animal organization.» — la escala de refinamiento que va de la tierra al mineral, del mineral al vegetal y de ahí a la sustancia de la organización animal.

«§ 22. For illustration, imagine this sphere as existing, and nothing of what is now known as vegetable and animal forms.» — el § 22 propone un experimento mental que estructura toda su cosmogonía: imaginar esta esfera sin nada de lo que hoy se conoce como formas vegetales y animales.

«You would next see animals existing in minute and delicate forms, corresponding with the minute and delicate forms of plants.» — la aparición de los animales en el experimento mental, en formas diminutas que corresponden a las de las plantas.

«until you would observe (the qualities and particles becoming so perfect from the ultimation of the grosser matter) the formation and production of the magnificent and wonderful mechanism of the human form, comprising within itself the ultimate properties of all previously existing matter, and which stands as an ultimate and combination of all else existing anterior to its creation!» — y el término de la serie, la forma humana como último y combinación de cuanto existía antes de ella.

«You are now convinced that the physical organization of Man is an ultimate of matter, and an effect produced by an internal, invisible, yet eternal Cause» — la conclusión que extrae del experimento: la organización física del hombre es un último de la materia y efecto de una Causa interna, invisible y eterna.

«And it is for the want of a capacity to make a proper distinction, that you confuse Motion, Life, Sensation, and Intelligence, in one form, and sanction the theory that Intelligence is a result of organization.» — y el error que adjudica a quien no distinga los cuatro términos: confundir movimiento, vida, sensación e inteligencia en una forma y sancionar la teoría de que la inteligencia resulta de la organización.

«That no substance or power of any character, whether physical or intellectual, possesses within itself the power of self-investigation or comprehension.» — la proposición que repite a lo largo del libro y que le sirve para reclamar su propio estado: ninguna sustancia ni poder tiene en sí mismo el poder de investigarse o comprenderse.

«Having no means to arrive distinctly and evidently at a knowledge of the essence and principle of Intelligence, you are compelled to let me occupy the situation which you have been supposed to sustain» — y el uso que le da en seguida: como el lector no puede llegar por sí al conocimiento de la Inteligencia, queda compelido a dejar que sea él quien ocupe esa situación.

«There is an invisible Cause producing spontaneously external Effects; and these may be divided into series, degrees, and representations.» — el § 22 segundo ordena los efectos de la Causa invisible en las tres clases con que el libro entero razonará: series, grados y representaciones.

«Thus, the human body is a composition of all else:—but to familiarize it with the understanding as corresponding with universal in Nature» — y pone el cuerpo humano como composición de todo lo demás, para tratarlo como carta de lo universal en la Naturaleza.

«The head is the cause, the chest, the effect, the abdomen, the end, or ultimate.» — la aplicación de la tríada causa, efecto y último a las tres cavidades del cuerpo.

«Still more plainly is this principle illustrated and represented in the functional operations of the viscera, in forming that essence of organic life, the blood.» — y la segunda aplicación, más detallada, a las vísceras y a la formación de la sangre.

«And man, therefore, stands as a representative of the Universe, — containing within himself the ultimate properties of all subordinate substances» — el § 23 cierra la analogía fisiológica con el enunciado del hombre como representante del Universo, que contiene las propiedades últimas de todas las sustancias subordinadas.

«There is existing a motion termed rectilinear. This contains undeveloped, and progresses to, the spiral motion, which is an ultimate of the same principle.» — la serie de los movimientos, que empieza en el rectilíneo y termina en el espiral como último del mismo principio.

«And other motions legitimately followed, such as the vibratory, undulatory, eccentric, and spiral or ultimate motions.» — y la lista entera de los movimientos intermedios que Davis nombra: vibratorio, ondulatorio, excéntrico y espiral.

«§ 24. Thus it may be considered established, that Matter contains within itself an eternal Law of progressive activity.» — el § 24 da por establecido lo que venía a probar: que la materia contiene en sí una ley eterna de actividad progresiva.

«and that the Whole is a vast Machine, operating unceasingly by an inherent principle of perpetual action.» — y la figura mecánica con que describe el Todo, máquina vasta que opera sin cesar por un principio inherente de acción perpetua.

«The inductive mind will distinctly observe the indications which all Nature presents, as pointing to the Great First Cause, or Positive Mind.» — el punto donde Davis detiene la regresión de las causas: la mente inductiva ve las indicaciones de la Naturaleza apuntar a la Gran Causa Primera o Mente Positiva.

«And upon such, as a basis, the mind will rest satisfied, feeling that search to find out a cause still ulterior is absurd, and even beyond its powers of conception.» — y el motivo que da para detenerla ahí: buscar una causa ulterior es absurdo y está más allá de las fuerzas de concepción de la mente.

«The Whole, considered as universal and eternal, composes an intelligent, thinking, Positive Mind.» — la fórmula con que define lo divino en su sistema: el Todo considerado como universal y eterno compone una Mente Positiva inteligente y pensante.

«It evidently proves a future life beyond a doubt, and makes it as sure and as eternal as the laws that govern the Universe.» — y la consecuencia que reclama para el lector: una vida futura probada y hecha tan cierta y eterna como las leyes que gobiernan el Universo.

«It is not the object at this time to prove how (or in what state) the existence will be, but it is the object to prove that it shall be.» — Davis acota lo que su argumento hace y lo que no: no dice en qué estado será la existencia futura, sino que será.

«§ 25. The two great points, then, which it is the object to establish, are, the original Cause of all things, and the ultimate of man, which is Spirit.» — el § 25 enuncia los dos puntos de todo el libro: la Causa original de todas las cosas y el último del hombre, que es el Espíritu.

«The beginning and ending form one infinite circle of movement, development, and progression.» — y la figura circular con que los une: principio y fin forman un círculo infinito de movimiento, desarrollo y progresión.

«the only authentic and eternal Book of truths, which is inspired by the Original Designer, the First Cause! From this Book properly interpreted, should be derived the text of every sermon. In this, true theology has its foundation; and the teachings of this should constitute the only study of the theologian.» — la tesis que sustituye la Escritura por la Naturaleza: el único Libro auténtico y eterno de verdades, del que debería salir el texto de todo sermón y que debería ser el único estudio del teólogo.

«The human embryo, if it possessed intelligence, would require as much argument to prove its future existence as it requires to prove the future existence and identity of the Spirit.» — la analogía con que responde a quien pida prueba de la vida futura: el embrión humano, si tuviera inteligencia, pediría tanto argumento para su propia existencia futura.

«The object of such individualization is to establish a communion and sympathy between the Creator and the thing created.» — el § 26 da el fin de la individualización del espíritu: poner en comunión y simpatía entre el Creador y lo creado.

«For the Spirit progresses to the Source whence it came, and then only becomes fitted for new spheres of its eternal existence.» — y el movimiento que le adjudica: el Espíritu progresa hacia la Fuente de donde vino, y solo entonces queda apto para nuevas esferas.

«The material Universe is a Vortex, from which all forms, material and immaterial, are unfolded and developed to the external or surface.» — la figura que el índice de la obra anuncia y que aquí se enuncia: el Universo material como Vórtice del que se despliegan todas las formas, materiales e inmateriales.

«Therefore, Man is a representative of the whole material Universe; and the laws which he constantly develops, correspond with the motions of matter and its reproducing effects, according to the law of Nature.» — el § 27 repite la tesis del hombre como representante del Universo material, con las leyes que despliega en correspondencia con los movimientos de la materia.

«Then again, the atmosphere which surrounds this globe has corresponding strata of formations, each one holding a position in relation to the earth according to its specific rarity.» — Davis extiende la doctrina de los estratos a la atmósfera, con capas dispuestas según su rareza específica.

«Hence the geology of the atmosphere corresponds with the geology of the earth» — y nombra esa correspondencia con un término que traslada de una ciencia a otra, la geología de la atmósfera.

«Such is the uniformitarian theory, as it may be termed; and internal and external evidence demonstrates its truthfulness.» — el § 28 nombra y suscribe la teoría uniformitaria de la geología de su tiempo, con la salvedad de que las discrepancias de detalle no tocan los principios generales.

«Is it strange, therefore, that theories based upon the idea of chance should have arisen? Is it marvellous that men whose intellects were not in a condition or sphere of general and united comprehension, should not receive impressions of general and eternal truths?» — Davis explica en vez de condenar las teorías del azar: las adjudica a intelectos no situados en una esfera de comprensión general y unida.

«Finally, the anatomy of the human body, and also that of the inferior species of the animal kingdom, teach this grand and important truth—original and eternal design!» — el § 29 concluye el argumento anatómico en el designio, que toma de la teología natural de su siglo y reencaja en su propia cosmogonía.

«§ 30. Among the many inquirers into the principles of Nature, there is none who holds a more conspicuous place, and whose experience is more useful, than the true mechanic.» — el § 30 pone al mecánico verdadero en el lugar más conspicuo entre los inquiridores de los principios de la Naturaleza.

«The power of steam was at one time unknown and disbelieved; and those minds, who by unwearied research became internally convinced of the existence of such a power, and openly expressed their convictions, did not escape the charge of fanaticism.» — y el precedente con que defiende de antemano su propio caso: el poder del vapor fue desconocido y descreído, y quienes lo declararon no escaparon a la acusación de fanatismo.

«Inventions, then, are mere imitations of Nature, and applications of principles therein contained.» — la consecuencia que saca para la técnica entera: las invenciones son meras imitaciones de la Naturaleza y aplicaciones de principios ya contenidos en ella.

«Consequently, there is no invention— no creation of principles — no forming originally what has not primitively existed.» — y la formulación más neta de esa negativa, que es la misma que aplicó a la creación: no hay invención ni creación de principios.

«The most perfect telescope, now about being constructed, and through the instrumentality of which other planets and spheres will become still more visible, and their physical condition more distinctly apparent, is, with all its perfection of formation, and the millions of particles which compose it, only an imitation of the principles involved in the human eye!» — el ejemplo con que la cierra, y que data el pasaje en su presente: el telescopio más perfecto que se está construyendo es solo una imitación de los principios del ojo humano.

«understanding the number of years intervening between the first or rudimental stages of Matter and the formation of minerals.» — la escala de tiempo que Davis adjudica al experimento mental, que ninguna combinación de cifras expresaría, entre los estadios rudimentales de la materia y la formación de los minerales; la frase abre en la plana anterior y el tramo arranca tras el salto.

«There is not such a thing as absolute creation; but what is termed such, is merely a development of inherent principles» — la negativa de la creación absoluta, que es una de las tesis que más apartan al libro de la teología de su tiempo: lo que así se llama es mero desarrollo de principios inherentes.

«But such principle must have existed eternally—as emanating from the Great Source and Fountain of Intelligence» — la acotación que impide leer su doctrina del espíritu como emergencia de la materia: el principio ha de haber existido eternamente, emanado de la Fuente de Inteligencia; el tramo se corta en el salto de plana.

«These facts, particularly considered, seem to refute several opinions of geologists; but generalization establishes the principle of uniform and progressive geological development» — el modo en que Davis resuelve las objeciones de detalle a la geología: los hechos particulares parecen objetar varias opiniones y la generalización fija el principio del desarrollo uniforme y progresivo; el tramo se corta en el salto de plana.

«The phenomenon known as gravitation is universally observed Why not, then, investigate the cause of gravitation?» — Davis pide investigar la causa de la gravitación y no solo el hecho, que es la queja que dirige a la ciencia de su tiempo; el troceo se come el signo de interrogación.

«Many disquisitions have been given to the world, relative to the fact of gravitation, but none particularly explaining the cause of the phenomenon.» — y mide lo hecho hasta entonces: muchas disquisiciones sobre el hecho de la gravitación y ninguna que explique en particular su causa.

«A law can not be different in different parts of the Universe; and when you properly understand the cause of gravitation in a small substance or particle visible, you may know that the same cause produces corresponding effects in every other state of material existence.» — el principio de uniformidad con que Davis autoriza el paso de lo pequeño a lo cósmico: una ley no puede ser distinta en partes distintas del Universo.

«Life and death in any particles, are not opposite to each other» — la negativa de la oposición entre vida y muerte, que prepara su doctrina de las esferas: la primera ha de existir para producir la segunda y la segunda ocurre para continuar la progresión de la primera.

«This all recalls to mind the sublime and established truth, That the Cause is using Nature as an Effect, to produce Spirit as an Ultimate!» — la fórmula de tres términos que el libro repite como su tesis y que aquí queda dicha entera: la Causa usa la Naturaleza como Efecto para producir el Espíritu como Último.

«If the First was divinely pure, the Ultimate must be the same in all its specific qualities. If the First was eternal, the Ultimate must be» — la cadena de condicionales con que deriva las cualidades del espíritu de las del origen, y que es su modo de razonar sin apelar a revelación ajena.

«Spirit maybe considered as a negative result, but it is no less pure, no less perfect, on that account. It is what the First was : it will be what the First is.» — y el remate de esa cadena: el espíritu es resultado negativo y no por eso menos puro, y será lo que el Primero es; el troceo pega dos palabras.

«§ 33. The meditations and experience of the true artist are too valuable, and of too convincing a nature, to be here disregarded.» — el § 33 abre el elogio del artista verdadero, que es la tercera figura a la que Davis apela después del mecánico y del anatomista.

«In analyzing the laws of colors, he arrives legitimately at the conclusion that the five or seven* original colors can be, and are, evolved from one» — la doctrina de los colores como despliegue de uno solo, que Davis toma por caso de su ley general de progresión.

«His experience teaches him that detailing disorganizes and disunites the truth which it is his object to impress; but that generalizing presents one unbroken chain of connected beauty, magnificence, and perfection.» — el § 34 saca del oficio del pintor la misma regla que gobierna el libro entero: detallar desune y generalizar presenta una cadena ininterrumpida.

«Therefore, between the Great Positive Mind and the human Spirit, there must be a medium, a type, a symbol, through which may be seen the original Design, and the future, ultimate Perfection.» — la exigencia de un medio entre los dos extremos de su sistema, la Gran Mente Positiva y el espíritu humano, que es donde el libro colocará las esferas.

«To the searcher and observer of external manifestations, the Universe is a symbol, a type of that which was and is, and of that which must and will be.» — y la función que da al Universo entero: símbolo y tipo de lo que fue, es y será.

«§ 35. The subject of Spirit, or the future individualization of the intellectual powers of man, has never yet been properly demonstrated to the various minds which this work will be submitted to.» — el § 35 abre la crítica de las doctrinas del espíritu recibidas, declarando que el asunto no ha sido demostrado a las mentes a las que este libro se somete.

«Each person who has presented these subjects according to his individual perceptions and convictions, has set forth some very important truths, and has fallen into as many errors of like magnitude.» — y el modo en que Davis las trata: cada uno expuso algunas verdades muy importantes y cayó en otros tantos errores de igual magnitud.

«The persons who have thus presented their impressions to the world, have done it under circumstances and conditions exceedingly unfavorable to the communication of truth without disconnexion.» — la explicación que da de esos errores, que es a la vez su alegato por el estado magnético: quienes escribieron lo hicieron en circunstancias muy desfavorables a la comunicación de la verdad.

«It is not strange that men, thus reasoning from Nature alone, and the temporal and celestial appearances that she irregularly develops, should arrive at erroneous conclusions,—for which they are not condemnable, yet not justifiable.» — y la fórmula exacta con que los sitúa sin condenarlos: no son condenables por sus conclusiones erróneas, aunque tampoco justificables.

«these theories arise from mistaking the Effect (or Nature) for the Cause.» — el diagnóstico que hace de esas teorías: nacen de tomar el Efecto, que es la Naturaleza, por la Causa.

«I have not brought up theories previously presented to the world, in order to refute, or even to criticise them.» — Davis declara con qué intención trae esas teorías, y descarta de antemano la refutación y la crítica.

«§ 36. These three are the conclusions I intended should be drawn from the general survey of misdirected reasoning.» — el § 36 recoge las tres conclusiones que dice haber querido sacar del repaso del razonamiento mal dirigido.

«The intention has not been to show the errors of human judgment, nor even to offset these conclusions by opposite reasonings; but it has rather been to excuse such investigators, and to encourage them to look deeper and further for real producing causes» — y la intención que declara en su lugar: excusar a esos investigadores y animarlos a buscar más hondo las causas productoras reales.

«but the reasoner upon these subjects should be like the chemist, and not base his conclusions upon the visible appearance of the substance, or form; but analyze the composition to find its elements, and invisible reality.» — el modelo de razonador que propone, tomado de la química: no concluir por la apariencia visible sino analizar la composición hasta sus elementos.

«Under whatever circumstances, or by whatever individual, Truth may be conceived of, or whenever it may be found or written, it should be duly appreciated.» — la regla con que Davis se abstiene de descalificar por la fuente: la verdad ha de apreciarse sea cual sea la circunstancia o la persona en que se conciba.

«No direct course of reasoning can be entirely barren of truthful conclusions, notwithstanding these may be mingled with errors.» — y su corolario: ningún curso directo de razonamiento es del todo estéril de conclusiones verdaderas, por mezcladas que estén con errores.

«The claims which I would prefer, are that the conclusions offered are correctly and instinctively arrived at» — la reivindicación que hace de su propio método, y que acota a llegar a las conclusiones correcta e instintivamente por asociación con las esferas del desarrollo intelectual.

«It has not been the intention to demonstrate the production and substance of Spirit, but the intention has been to prove its existence» — Davis acota lo que su Clave hace: no demostrar la producción y la sustancia del Espíritu sino probar su existencia.

«Matter and spirit have heretofore been supposed to constitute two distinct and independent substances, the latter not having any material origin.» — la doctrina recibida que su sistema desplaza: materia y espíritu como dos sustancias distintas e independientes, sin origen material la segunda.

«Instead of making material and spiritual existence totally disconnected, the object and intention of the foregoing has been to prove by acknowledged laws and principles of matter, the production of Intelligence, the perfection of which is Spirit» — y lo que pone en su lugar: probar por las leyes reconocidas de la materia la producción de la Inteligencia, cuya perfección es el Espíritu.

«§ 37. For a proper comprehension of the qualities and attributes contained in the Great Fountain of Causation, and unfolded in the various stages of material progression, it can not be inappropriate to appeal to visible and invisible truths and facts in Nature and experience.» — el § 37 abre el tratado de los atributos de la Gran Fuente de la causación, que ocupará el resto de la Clave.

«Thoughts, feelings, desires, and passions, which are existing in the minds of men, are not appealed to, to respond to what is herein contained. It can only be properly conceived of, and comprehended, by the Reason and the internal light of the love of Truth.» — y declara a qué facultad apela y a cuál no: no a los pensamientos, sentimientos, deseos y pasiones, sino a la Razón y a la luz interior del amor a la verdad.

«it follows that either Matter has existed from all eternity, or else the essence of an intelligent First Cause.» — la disyuntiva a que reduce el problema del origen: o la materia ha existido desde toda la eternidad, o la esencia de una Causa Primera inteligente.

«§ 38. No possible combination of figures would be adequate to present to the human mind the number of spheres contained in the broad ocean of the stellar system.» — el § 38 abre la astronomía de la Clave declarando inexpresable en cifras el número de esferas del sistema estelar.

«There is a universal condensation and consolidation of matter constantly going on, caused by the dissipation or repulsion of that heat and ether which it contained in its fluid state» — y enuncia el mecanismo cosmogónico que la segunda parte desarrollará: condensación universal de la materia por disipación del calor y el éter que contenía en estado fluido.

«There are therefore centres around which innumerable planets revolve; and planets revolve around these again : and thus one circle after another is developed.» — la estructura del cosmos en círculos concéntricos, con centros alrededor de los cuales giran planetas y otros centros alrededor de estos.

«§ 39. Thus the foregoing train of remark establishes the eternal attribute of Omnipotence.» — el § 39 da por establecido el primero de los seis atributos que la Clave irá derivando, la Omnipotencia.

«all conspire to force upon the mind the irresistible impression that the great and united movements of the Universe are all being performed according to a most inconceivably-perfect adjustment of mathematical and mechanical laws, and that all things are guided in the very motions of their inherent life and activity, by the essence of Omnipotent Wisdom!» — y deriva el segundo, la Sabiduría, de la precisión de los movimientos celestes y del ajuste de las leyes matemáticas y mecánicas.

«§ 40. And while admiring the wisdom as seen and felt in all things around and above, the mind is impressed still more deeply, and with a clearer perception, with an attribute still more perfect, viz., that of goodness!» — el § 40 deriva el tercer atributo, la Bondad, del orden ya establecido.

«§ 41. Again: Throughout all this vast ocean of organic life, all known laws, forces, and motions, whether in the celestial spheres or on this present globe, are acknowledged to perform their office (unless incidentally obstructed), with the most perfect Justice and Equity.» — el § 41 deriva el cuarto atributo, la Justicia, del cumplimiento de las leyes conocidas en las esferas celestes y en este globo.

«Therefore there is constantly in operation the law and principle of Goodness, to produce ;pure effects; and (as an opposite or negative manifestation), an interruption of its forces produces impure results.» — y da la mecánica de premio y castigo de su sistema, que no pasa por un juez sino por la ley: obedecida produce efectos puros, interrumpida los produce impuros; el troceo imprime un punto y coma delante de la palabra.

«§ 42. The profound meditations on the infinitude of Space, induce upon the mind the parallel conception of infinite Time.» — el § 42 pasa del espacio infinito al tiempo infinito, que declara paralelos y sinónimos aunque la distinción entre ambos sea universalmente reconocida.

«Thus Power, Wisdom, Goodness—Justice, Mercy, and Truth— are the gradual and successive developments of an eternal and internal Principle, constituting the divine, original Essence!» — la lista completa de los seis atributos con que cierra el tratado, presentados como desarrollos sucesivos de un Principio eterno e interno.

«§ 43. The all-pervading Essence contained in Nature is of itself an eternal and immortal Principle.» — el § 43, último de la Clave, declara eterno e inmortal el Principio omnipresente contenido en la Naturaleza.

«Every particle of matter at some time during the course of ages passes through, and becomes a part of, animal life!» — y enuncia la doctrina que su cosmología repite: toda partícula de materia pasa en algún momento a formar parte de la vida animal.

«All forms, therefore, are external effects, and are mortal. They can not be depended upon as affording proofs of immortality, or as demonstrating even the probability of a future life.» — la acotación con que niega valor probatorio a las formas: son efectos externos y mortales, y no sirven de prueba de inmortalidad ni de probabilidad de vida futura.

«Therefore, as the First and Last have been positively proved, the Key has now done its specific duty, by having prepared the mind to contemplate that which is still higher, yet connected with all things existing in an inferior degree.» — el balance con que Davis cierra la Clave y declara cumplido su oficio, preparar la mente para lo que sigue.

«During the delivery of this Key, I have occupied a Sphere second to this in mental refinement and perfection.» — y el dato de procedimiento con que la cierra, que fija el estado desde el que dice haber dictado la primera parte.

«And to reveal the Second Sphere, I progress or ascend to the Third; thence to the Fourth; thence onward and upward to the Fifth, Sixth, and finally, as an ultimate, to the Seventh—in which Sphere I shall be able to comprehend all others.» — y anuncia el ascenso por las esferas que estructura la segunda parte, de la tercera a la séptima, desde la cual dice que podrá comprender todas las demás.

«Such truth should be venerated only the same as it should be if it had been conceived of» — la igualdad que Davis reclama para su verdad frente a la de cualquier otro origen: se ha de venerar igual que si se hubiera concebido por otro proceso; el tramo se corta en el salto de plana.

«So perfect is this force, so harmonious and beautiful is its action, that nothing is destroyed or annihilated; but all things answer the end for which they were originally designed.» — la negativa de la aniquilación como atributo de esa fuerza: nada se destruye ni se aniquila, y todo responde al fin para el que fue designado.

«The animals display more lenity, more unqualified compassion, and more instinctive justice, than are often known to be displayed by» — y el contraste con que lo ilustra: los animales despliegan más lenidad, compasión y justicia instintiva de las que a menudo despliegan los hombres; el tramo se corta en el salto de plana.

«being is in a condition or sphere of association with more inherent truth than the true mechanic.» — la valoración con que Davis cierra el elogio del mecánico, a quien pone en la esfera de asociación con más verdad inherente que cualquier otro; la frase abre en la plana anterior y el tramo arranca tras el salto.

«become refined to associate with the same parts of matter) produces, as a specific ultimate, the principle of Intelligence.» — el § 32 fija el punto en que la serie material produce lo mental: la perfección de la organización material del hombre produce como último específico el principio de la Inteligencia; la frase abre en la plana anterior y el tramo arranca tras el salto.

«Then why take Nature, or rather the small particles of the Universe, of which this world is one, as being the primary Cause of animal organization, and this as having progressed to Man, through chance and change of the elementary particles and compositions of matter, until the necessary particles have philosophically and mutually agreed» — Davis objeta la explicación por azar del origen del hombre, dicha con ironía sobre unas partículas que convendrían entre sí en cumplir el oficio de la organización humana.

«that the First must have been Matter, and that Man is a production of some energetic and violent effort of Nature and her constituent particles—that Man thus exists by an indefinite Chance!» — y la fórmula con que nombra la doctrina que rechaza, la del hombre existiendo por un azar indefinido; la frase abre en la plana anterior y el tramo arranca tras el salto.

«And that the earth might be made useful, and that plants» — Davis funda en la bondad la posición del hombre sobre los otros reinos, y el argumento arranca en la utilidad de la tierra; el tramo se corta en el salto de plana.

«the constant, reciprocal, and universal sympathy which they display,—manifest in their general indications, the divine attribute of Meekness, Compassion, and Mercy.» — el quinto atributo que la Clave deriva, la Misericordia, sacado de la simpatía recíproca y universal que despliegan los cuerpos del sistema planetario.

«§ 1. In the beginning, the Univercoelum was one boundless, undefinable, and unimaginable ocean of liquid fire!» — así abre la segunda parte y la cosmogonía entera, con el término que Davis acuña para el todo y la imagen del océano de fuego líquido.

«It was without forms; for it was but one Form. It had not motions; but it was an eternity of Motion.» — la serie de negaciones con que describe la condición original de la materia, cada una corregida por su afirmación contraria.

«There were not Suns, but it was one Eternal Sun. It had no beginning, and it was without end.» — y la sigue en los mismos términos para los soles y para el tiempo.

«The Power contained Wisdom and Goodness,— Justice, Mercy, and Truth.» — Davis coloca en ese origen los seis atributos que la Clave había derivado uno a uno de la Naturaleza.

«Thus, Matter and Motion are co-eternal principles, established by virtue of their own nature» — la premisa que la segunda parte hereda de la primera, materia y movimiento como principios coeternos establecidos por su propia naturaleza.

«The great original Mass was a substance containing within itself the embryo of its own perfection.» — y la figura embrionaria con que describe la masa original, que contiene en sí el germen de su propia perfección.

«It became pregnated by virtue of its own laws, and was controlled, guided, and perfected, by virtue of its own omnipotent Power!» — la fórmula con que excluye toda acción exterior sobre esa masa: quedó preñada por virtud de sus propias leyes y fue guiada por su propio poder.

«The Power contained in this great Vortex was the Great Positive Mind!—and its development was Eternal Motion!» — la identificación del poder del Vórtice con la Mente Positiva, cuyo desarrollo llama Movimiento Eterno.

«The original form was angular. This contained the principle and nature of all other forms» — la serie de las formas con que ordena la cosmogonía, que arranca en lo angular.

«Progression of the angular evolved the circular. This assumed, not a spherical constitution, but it was a combination of angular and rectilinear plane.» — y el paso de lo angular a lo circular, que acota como combinación de plano angular y rectilíneo y no como esfera.

«The perpetual vortical or celestial, was the Spiritual; in which there is nothing but what is refined, pure, and everlastingly infinite» — el término de esa serie de formas, lo vortical o celeste, que Davis identifica con lo Espiritual; el tramo cruza de plana.

«It was impossible for Matter to exist without a principle of inherent and eternal production.» — el § 2 sostiene la mutua necesidad de materia y poder, que es lo que impide leer su sistema como materialismo o como espiritualismo puro.

«In the beginning God created—or the Great Positive Mind caused — the existences and forms that are now universally manifested.» — la única vez en este tramo en que Davis usa la fórmula bíblica, y la traduce en el acto a su propio vocabulario.

«After the great Fountain has produced from its inherent substance, an infinite number of worlds, the worlds, or the compositions therein contained, progress perpetually to higher states of perfection.» — la progresión de los mundos, que Davis hace continuar después de formados.

«The next development is the crystallization of internal particles, producing the various earthy and mineral substances.» — y el orden de los reinos que de ahí arranca, con la cristalización como desarrollo siguiente.

«it furnishes materials for, and produces, the brain and human eye, with all their inimitable refinements of matter!» — el término de esa serie material, que Davis pone en el cerebro y el ojo humanos.

«For Goodness is the proper adaptation of things to ends, in order to accomplish some grand and sublime ultimate.» — el § 3 define la bondad en términos de adaptación de las cosas a los fines, sin apelar a la voluntad de nadie.

«For Justice and Equity consist in an obedience to the laws of Cause and Effect.» — y define la justicia como obediencia a las leyes de causa y efecto, que es la definición que sostiene su doctrina del castigo.

«for Mercy consists in the adaptation of parts to the Whole and in the dissemination and sustaining of sensitive beings.» — y la misericordia como adaptación de las partes al todo y sostenimiento de los seres sensibles.

«For Truth is that inherent principle of divine Law which determines the certain and adequate accomplishment of any good and glorious end contemplated.» — y la verdad como el principio de la ley divina que determina el cumplimiento cierto del fin contemplado.

«And Power being positive, developed a Negative, or the eternal Law of Gravitation.» — la derivación de la gravitación como negativo del poder positivo, que es donde su física se aparta de la newtoniana.

«The substance or unparticled matter which was constantly thrown from the Centre, became at length a nebulous Zone, surrounding the immensity of space!» — la formación de la zona nebulosa, que es la pieza que su cosmogonía comparte con la hipótesis nebular de su siglo.

«Thus an incomprehensible and incalculable number of Centres or Suns were produced by the development of beat and light, and their gradual condensation.» — y la producción de los soles por condensación gradual del calor y la luz; el troceo imprime la palabra deformada.

«A sixth Circle of formations was also produced: and these are Suns only. As they have not yet become properly consolidated, their atmosphere has not yet produced other formations; and so they are at this time pursuing their undefinable orbits in the form and composition of blazing Comets.» — el sexto y último círculo de su cosmogonía, formado por soles todavía no consolidados que el texto identifica con cometas.

«Creation, then, has just commenced! For it is, as it everlastingly has been, putting forth new forms and manifesting unchangeable energies—the very essence of all power—the uncontrollable fiat of the Great Positive Mind!» — una de las fórmulas más citables de la cosmogonía: la creación apenas ha comenzado, y sigue poniendo formas nuevas.

«§ 7. If every second of animal life that ever has elapsed upon this globe, from the first sentient production unto the present moment, could be comprehended, still all would be but one second in comparison to the time that elapsed between the first assumption of form by particles, and the breathing forth and establishment of the last system of suns.» — el § 7 mide la edad del cosmos por comparación con la vida animal de este globo, para declararla incomparable.

«Thus the human mind can not conceive of eternity or infinity; for it is limited in its nature, belonging to, and produced by, finite forms, and existing among transient things.» — la acotación epistemológica que Davis pone a su propia cosmogonía: la mente humana no puede concebir la eternidad ni la infinitud, por ser finita y producida por formas finitas.

«The word infinity, as applied to indefinite space, is one substituted in place of an idea.» — y la fórmula más neta de esa acotación: la palabra infinito, aplicada al espacio indefinido, está puesta en lugar de una idea.

«And the great eternal elements that were successively developed and evolved from the Great Centre that contained them, were Heat, Light, and Electricity.» — los tres elementos sucesivos de su física, con la electricidad como último; el tramo cruza de plana.

«But instead of opposites existing, there is a harmony in all the formations, and a positive and absolute necessity of each production, according to the forces and elements existing in the Vortex of Positive Power, and the Fount of chaotic materials.» — la negativa de los opuestos, que es una de las tesis más repetidas del libro y la que funda su doctrina del mal.

«Then what is meant by attraction, gravitation, and condensation, is an association of particles possessing mutual affinities.» — Davis reduce los tres términos de la física de su tiempo a uno solo, la asociación de partículas con afinidades mutuas.

«If a particular and detailed description of these innumerable worlds were given, it would be beyond the comprehension of the mind, and also beyond its power of forming conceptions from analogy.» — la razón que da para no describir los otros mundos, y que es a la vez el límite que se pone: excedería la comprensión y el poder de analogía de la mente.

«it would be only indulging the desire and love for the marvellous, creating wonder and astonishment, but presenting nothing that would be of real application or usefulness, even if it were susceptible of comprehension.» — y la razón moral que añade: describir los seres de esos mundos solo halagaría el amor a lo maravilloso sin presentar nada de aplicación real.

«Electricity therefore pervades the infinity of space. It penetrates all substances, and exists in and throughout all worlds, with all their component parts. It exists in everything and everywhere; and there is not one particle in the realms of infinite space that has not within its composition the unparticled and active agent of Electricity.» — la universalidad que adjudica a la electricidad: no hay partícula en el espacio infinito que no la tenga en su composición.

«And thus was originally established the eternal Truth and real reality, that everything has its own peculiar atmosphere, and consequently its specific and necessary association.» — la doctrina de la atmósfera propia, que en el libro vale igual para un mundo y para una persona.

«An atmosphere is a progression, or an ascension from the denser mass of particles, seeking association with that of like nature» — y la definición de atmósfera que la sostiene: progresión o ascensión desde la masa más densa de partículas que busca asociarse con lo de su naturaleza.

«And then Deity and Spirit will be existing only!» — el término escatológico de la cosmogonía, donde solo Deidad y Espíritu quedan existiendo.

«Therefore the spiritual Principle, or the destined Ultimate of all things in existence, will be a Negative to the Great Positive Mind; and between the two will emanate new worlds — an epoch of another Beginning!» — y lo que sigue a ese término, que no es reposo sino otro comienzo: el Principio espiritual como negativo de la Mente Positiva y mundos nuevos entre los dos.

«One Law, equalled with Matter, produces all things, and gives birth constantly to new worlds by its progressive unfoldings.» — el § 11 reduce a una sola la ley del universo, que produce todo y da a luz mundos nuevos por sus despliegues progresivos.

«Being therefore immutable, it can not react, can not change; nor can there be any retrogression.» — y la consecuencia que más aparta su sistema de las escatologías de castigo: siendo inmutable la ley, no cabe reacción ni cambio ni retrogresión.

«Therefore there are no opposites — no antagonistic principles existing in the realms of» — la negativa de los opuestos repetida como conclusión del párrafo, ahora sobre la relación de lo externo con lo interno.

«They are not repulsed—not rejected from any antipathy, but are harmoniously and reciprocally given off, that they may gravitate to some like substance or principle existing in some part of the remote regions of space.» — y la aplicación de esa negativa a los cuerpos celestes: no son repelidos por antipatía sino cedidos armónicamente para gravitar hacia lo afín.

«And all Matter and Motion will finally become what they originally were—will be resolved into one grand and glorious Sun, more refined and perfected, more excellent in all its qualities and compositions, that it may again bring forth a new System of suns, and an infinite corresponding creation throughout space!» — el ciclo cósmico entero dicho en una frase: materia y movimiento resueltos en un solo Sol más perfecto que engendra un nuevo sistema de soles.

«§ 12. The endless concatenation of causes by which infinite space has been filled with systems of unnumbered worlds, was originally established by the force and spontaneous action of the Will of the Eternal Mind!» — el § 12 nombra la voluntad de la Mente Eterna como origen de la concatenación de causas, que es lo más cerca que el sistema llega de un acto de creación.

«Mind is then only seeking its equilibrium. It is gravitating toward the sphere that is attractive to it.» — el § 8 aplica a la mente la misma ley de gravitación que rige la materia: busca su equilibrio y gravita hacia la esfera que la atrae.

«It is the elastic substance that exists within and surrounds all things, and is the powerful agent of motion, life, and activity.» — el oficio que Davis adjudica a la electricidad: sustancia elástica que existe dentro y alrededor de todo y agente poderoso del movimiento, la vida y la actividad.

«Such is the grand cosmogony of the creations in universal space! §11. It is, therefore, made evident to the mind» — la línea con que Davis cierra y nombra lo que acaba de exponer, seguida del arranque del apartado siguiente para alcanzar el mínimo del verificador.

«For while existing in forms, as mankind now are existing, they should conform to the immutable laws of Mailer.» — el paso de la cosmogonía a la moral, que es la juntura del libro entero: los hombres han de conformarse a las leyes inmutables de la materia; el troceo deforma la última palabra.

«And there would be no isolation, no absorption, no extraneous parts and forms in being; but all would be necessarily required and adapted to make the whole a perfect System— of never-ending happiness and peace!» — y la sociedad que de ahí deduce, sin aislamiento ni absorción ni partes extrañas, que es la que la tercera parte desarrollará.

«And evidence of truth has its foundation only in the unchangeable manifestations of Nature» — el § 13 pone toda la evidencia de la verdad en las manifestaciones inmutables de la Naturaleza, que es el criterio con que el libro se ofrece a sí mismo a examen.

«And as Truth alone has an indestructible basis, nothing is to be apprehended from its inevitable results; but we may fearlessly erect upon its foundation, a Temple of the utmost magnificence.» — la figura del templo con que anuncia lo que va a construir sobre esa base, y que toma prestada del vocabulario religioso que critica.

«Thus I leave the vast Univercoelum that fills all space (and space is annihilated to the conceptions), and commence revealing the creation of the Solar System and of this world.» — la juntura entre las dos escalas del libro: aquí deja el Univercoelum y empieza la creación del sistema solar y de este mundo.

«The terms World, and Universe, and Nature, shall hereafter be applied as significant of the present Solar System, and of the globes therein existing.» — y el aviso terminológico que da al lector, que acota el sentido de tres palabras suyas en todo lo que sigue.

«§ 14. The wonderful Sun or Centre to which our Solar System belongs, is but a remote planet of another System existing prior to its formation.» — la tesis astronómica con que abre el § 14: el sol de nuestro sistema es él mismo un planeta remoto de otro sistema anterior.

«Thus, the Sun has two original motions : one upon its axis, and the other in its orbit around a greater Centre.» — los dos movimientos que Davis adjudica al sol, y de los que el segundo es la novedad que el escriba subraya en nota.

«Therefore the great internal portion of the Sun is an immense mass of liquid fire, evolving successively heat, light, and electricity, as developed and purified particles of its interior composition.» — la composición que da al sol, masa de fuego líquido que desprende sucesivamente calor, luz y electricidad.

«The existence of eight planets has been determined upon as nearly beyond all doubt.* Still the eighth and ninth are not yet recognised as bodies belonging to the Solar System.» — la afirmación astronómica que el aparato tomará por profecía cumplida: la existencia de ocho planetas, con el octavo y el noveno todavía sin reconocer.

«Thus fire, heat, light, and electricity, were the general elements composing the Sun. Without these, it would not have been a sun.» — los cuatro elementos con que compone el sol, y sin los cuales dice que no sería un sol.

«Electricity was the medium and active agent to transmit and transfer every molecular substance to new stations.» — el § 15 da a la electricidad el papel de medio y agente activo que transfiere cada sustancia molecular a estaciones nuevas.

«It may be considered a mediator, or an associating principle that unites antagonistic particles.» — y la nombra mediador, principio asociante que une las partículas antagónicas, que es su modo de resolver el problema de los opuestos en la física.

«Motion is the effect that one body produces upon another. If a substance or body be dense, its pressure or action upon another substance will be in proportion to its density, and will produce proportionate effects.» — la definición de movimiento con que sostiene la mecánica del libro, referida siempre a la acción de un cuerpo sobre otro.

«Therefore a universal motion exists: for the action of one particle will set in motion every other particle, whether single or compound, in the Universe!» — y la consecuencia universal que saca: la acción de una partícula pone en movimiento a toda otra partícula del Universo.

«The impetus given the first particle, being all-powerful, is the cause of all subsequent motion. Therefore Motion is an eternal Principle existing in Matter, established by infinite Power.» — el impulso dado a la primera partícula como causa de todo movimiento posterior, que es el único acto inicial que su sistema admite.

«§ 16. The ninth planet (or cometary body), being composed of particles accumulated by the motion of the great Sun, observed the same plane by the same specific force; and obeying the law of reciprocal gravitation, it occupied its assumed orbit at a distance in accordance with its rarity and peculiar constitution.» — el § 16 describe el noveno planeta, que llama cuerpo cometario, y lo sitúa por su rareza y constitución.

«The eighth planet was next evolved, observing the same principles of formation and the same general law of motion, and was situated within the orbit of the former merely because its composition was more dense than the first one evolved.» — y el octavo, situado dentro de la órbita del anterior por ser más denso.

«Hence it is again evident that detailed and minute observations have not been adequate to establish a universal realreality of laws as governing all elements in being.» — la regla del libro aplicada a la física de su tiempo: las observaciones detalladas y minutas no bastan para fijar una ley universal sobre los elementos; el guion de fin de renglón queda unido y el troceo devuelve realreality donde la fuente imprime real-reality.

«For it is demonstrated beyond a doubt, that all matter and elements are fundamentally and essentially the same, and that a different law can not govern any particle or element in the Universe, from that inherent Law eternally established.» — y la tesis que pone en su lugar: toda materia y todo elemento son fundamentalmente lo mismo y ninguna partícula se gobierna por ley distinta.

«Therefore heat, light, and electricity, are still matter; but each occupies a different station, lower or higher, according to its respective degree of refinement.» — la reducción de los tres elementos a materia en distintos grados de refinamiento, que es el monismo del libro llevado a la física.

«Its density is four fifths that of water. Its diameter it is unnecessary to determine. Its period of revolution can be inferred analogically from the period in which Uranus traverses its elliptic and almost inconceivable orbit. The atmosphere of the eighth planet is exceedingly rare, containing little oxygen, but being mostly composed of fluorine and nitrogen.» — una de las descripciones planetarias con cifras concretas, aquí del octavo planeta, que el libro da sin instrumento y sin cálculo declarado.

«It has, like Uranus, six satellites. These were evolved and formed by the two motions given this planet; the farthest from the primary being the extent of its original composition, and the nearest being an accumulation of denser atoms from the planet.» — y le adjudica seis satélites, formados por los dos movimientos del planeta.

«§ 17. The planet produced as next in order, was Herschel or Uranus. During its first stages of formation, it was an accumulation of inter-associated, igneous, rarified particles, whose rarity unfitted them for any other sphere of association.» — el § 17 pasa a Urano, al que nombra con los dos nombres que corrían en 1847.

«The diameter of the planet at the present time is thirty-five thousand one hundred and twelve miles; the farthest satellite being nearly one million and a half miles from its primary.» — y da cifras de diámetro y de distancia de los satélites, que es el modo en que este tramo del libro se expone a comprobación.

«It revolves in its orbit around the sun once in eighty-four years; its distance being over eighteen hundred millions of miles: and it moves at the rate of fifteen thousand miles an hour!» — las cifras que da para la revolución de Urano, su distancia y su velocidad.

«It is not filled, like those between it and the Sun, with life and activity; nor has its surface been shaded by the growth of plants or trees. No life of any kind exists there; nor can there, until further condensation and development occur.» — y la declaración de que Urano está sin vida hasta que ocurran más condensación y desarrollo, que aplica a los planetas la misma progresión de los reinos.

«Centuries after centuries will elapse before any apparent change can be visible upon the surface of this planet. Generations after generations will pass, and their observations and explorations will be lost and forgotten, and their thoughts and theories will be but little known, before mankind shall observe different appearances in Uranus and its appendages.» — la escala temporal en que sitúa ese cambio, medida en generaciones cuyas teorías se habrán olvidado.

«§ 18. Many objections have been made against the idea of uniformity and progressive development in the formations of our planetary system.» — el § 18 se hace cargo de las objeciones a la uniformidad y al desarrollo progresivo en las formaciones del sistema planetario.

«But according to the perfection of these instruments, have these nebulous forms been resolved into stars, or clusters of worlds.» — y consigna el dato que pone en aprieto a la hipótesis nebular: conforme mejoran los instrumentos, las formas nebulosas se resuelven en estrellas.

«The extensive generalizations, and the doctrine of progressive development and design, that are herein presented, may therefore be questioned : for as nebulous appearances become resolved into spheres, the confidence in the above theory naturally diminishes.» — Davis consigna sin limar la objeción que eso hace a su propia doctrina: conforme lo nebuloso se resuelve en esferas, la confianza en la teoría disminuye.

«may be explained and overcome by considering them as particulars belonging to the great general law and plan upon which the whole is instituted.» — y la salida que ofrece, que es la misma regla de generales y particulares que gobierna el libro: tratar esas contradicciones como particulares de la ley general.

«I will observe that generally the variations in the densities of planets receding from the Sun, are uniform; and that generally their orbicular velocity is in correspondence with the order and distance of each planet from the great Centre. Therefore Matter and Motion being generally uniform and progressive in their manifestations, particulars can not controvert the truthfulness of this theory.» — y la formulación final de esa regla aplicada a la astronomía: siendo la materia y el movimiento uniformes en lo general, los particulares no pueden controvertir la teoría.

«no law of positive attraction actuated them, or withdrew them from particles to which they previously adhered,—nor did any law of positive repulsion repel them from their original station. Neither repulsion nor attraction as a law, and as these are generally understood, produced any effect upon these foreign particles. But there was a mutual gravitation» — la negativa de la atracción y la repulsión como leyes positivas, sustituidas por la gravitación mutua o asociación de materiales afines.

«yet life will ultimately cover its now undisturbed surfaces. § 17. The planet produced as next in order» — la doctrina de la habitación universal aplicada al octavo planeta, inhabitable ahora y destinado a cubrirse de vida; la frase abre en la plana anterior y el tramo lleva pegado el arranque del apartado siguiente.

«And at this moment there is but one spot that remains unresolved, within the powerful searchings of this useful instrument.» — Davis da el estado de la cuestión nebular en su presente, con una sola mancha aún sin resolver por el instrumento más potente.

«Therefore in questioning the truthfulness of the foregoing theory, it is positively necessary not to depend upon minute and detailed appearances; for such can not be taken as sufficient to counteract a general principle, which is demonstrated by universal experience» — la regla de prueba que Davis impone a quien quiera objetar su teoría: no apoyarse en apariencias minutas y detalladas.

«§ 19. The planet next developed was the sixth, termed Saturn. The condensation of particles existing in the great Sun whose circumference at this time extended to the orbit of Saturn, and a further accumulation of atoms by original Motion inherently existing, produced this planetary body.» — el § 19 pasa a Saturno y explica su formación por condensación de las partículas del sol.

«Its igneous composition being very active, in receiving particles suitable for its association, and in disengaging the non-associating parts, the planet’s emanations produced the nebulous zones or belts that now surround the primary.» — y explica los anillos como emanación del propio planeta, formados igual que las zonas nebulosas de la cosmogonía general.

«At this present moment, those rings may be considered as but just instituted and developed: and having been formed and condensed from the different combinations in which they have existed in previous ages, they will ultimately be resolved into one sphere» — la predicción que hace sobre los anillos: recién instituidos, y destinados a resolverse en una sola esfera que producirá otro planeta.

«But as the human organization is extremely fleeting in comparison to grosser materials, therefore man has not existed long enough to observe any change in this planet, or in any other.» — la razón por la que esos cambios no se ven, que devuelve el argumento a la escala de tiempo: el hombre no ha existido lo bastante para observarlos.

«Its diameter being about seventy-nine thousand miles, greatly exceeds that of the former planet» — las cifras que da para Saturno, y que él mismo señala como el caso que más contradice su ley de uniformidad.

«It revolves with the enormous velocity of twenty-two thousand miles an hour!» — y la velocidad de rotación que le adjudica, una de las cifras que el libro expone a comprobación.

«Hence if confusion were not apparent, the word order would be without meaning.» — y su corolario, que es de los pasajes más apretados del libro: sin confusión aparente la palabra orden carecería de significado.

«§ 20. The geography of this planet is very beautiful, it being divided into two thirds water and one third earth.» — el § 20 abre la descripción de Saturno con su geografía, en la proporción de dos tercios de agua y uno de tierra.

«Organic beings inhabited this planet many thousand years before this earth had an existence. Therefore, according to the law of progressive refinement, the organic kingdoms of this planet have attained to a high degree of perfection.» — la antigüedad que adjudica a la vida en Saturno y la consecuencia que saca de su ley de progresión: sus reinos orgánicos están más perfeccionados que los de la Tierra.

«Its mental organization nearly represents that of the human being, with the exception that its knowledge and power of exterior understanding, surpasses that of man existing on the earth!» — y la comparación que hace con el lector: su organización mental casi representa la del ser humano, y su entendimiento exterior la supera.

«But its mental and physical organizations are so constructed that the individualization of the inner life could not occur» — la reserva con que le niega lo que su sistema reserva al hombre: en ese ser no puede ocurrir la individualización de la vida interior.

«§ 21. The following class in order, of animal organization, is the ultimate of this planet, and the perfection of all below it; and this class is Man.» — el § 21 llega al término de la escala saturnina, que es el hombre de ese planeta.

«Their organization is of the most perfect kind, both mental and physical; and their intellect being expansive and powerful, judgment controls them entirely, insomuch that weakness and disease are not existing among them.» — la salud que adjudica a esos habitantes, y que deriva no de otra biología sino del gobierno del juicio sobre las inclinaciones.

«Nothing, however, is revered but that which the judgment responds to as being true.» — y la forma de veneración que les adjudica, que es la misma que el libro pide a su lector: no reverenciar sino aquello a lo que el juicio responde como verdadero.

«With a telescopic mind they familiarize themselves with earths existing between them and the Sun, and also with the inhabitants upon them existing.» — la facultad que les adjudica de conocer los otros planetas y a sus habitantes sin instrumento.

«They form associations according to internal desire. They are not governed by the inclinations of the natural man, and therefore take unto themselves mates according to mutual inward approbation, and thus they are united in the bonds of spiritual happiness and peace.» — la doctrina del matrimonio por aprobación interior mutua, que la tercera parte reclamará para la tierra.

«There is no repulsion ever existing between associated mates, because love and purity abide with them universally.» — y la consecuencia que saca de ella, sin repulsión posible entre los unidos.

«All are united as one brotherhood, harmonizing in all their interests, though existing in different locations on the planet. Undisturbed connexion exists between nation and nation; and that which constitutes the interest of one, constitutes the undivided interest and peace of the whole race.» — la sociedad de ese planeta descrita en los términos exactos con que el libro pedirá reformar la nuestra: el interés de uno como interés indiviso de toda la raza.

«§ 22. The next planet evolved from the Sun was the fifth in the Solar System, and is named Jupiter.» — el § 22 pasa a Júpiter, quinto en el orden con que el libro cuenta los planetas.

«The present density of this planet is one and a quarter to that of water, showing an increase of density from the other planets. Its distance from the Sun is at this time four hundred and ninety millions of miles. Its diameter is eighty-nine thousand miles.» — las cifras de densidad, distancia y diámetro que da para Júpiter.

«This planet also, being the largest in our solar system, would seem at a superficial view to refute the doctrine of uniformity and progression.» — Davis consigna él mismo la segunda objeción a su ley, que es el tamaño de Júpiter, antes de responderla por causas incidentales.

«Steadily therefore is demonstrated the great truth of uniform ascension from the lowest to the highest; the highest being the ultimate of the lowest, and each particle sustaining a position according to its specific quality and magnitude, — their mutual association being called gravitation.» — la conclusión que saca de las cifras de los satélites de Júpiter, con la gravitación reducida otra vez a asociación mutua.

«And when these things are impressed upon the internal principle of man, man will become generally enlightened; and an extensive knowledge of things existing, will unite his affections to Truth.» — la razón práctica que Davis da para describir otros mundos, que no es la curiosidad sino la ilustración y la felicidad de los habitantes de la tierra.

«There are on this planet upward of three hundred thousand species of plants. But their connexions with each other are so intimate, that they warrant but five general classifications.» — el § 23 cifra en más de trescientas mil las especies vegetales de Júpiter y las reduce a cinco clasificaciones generales.

«The fifth class, being an ultimate of the four others described, is necessarily more exalted in composition. This species is a kind of zoophyte, — which maybe considered as mediator between vegetable and animal existences.» — y la quinta clase, un zoófito que hace de mediador entre lo vegetal y lo animal, que es la juntura que su escala de reinos exige.

«Human conceptions of order are founded upon the supposed reality of apparent confusion; and when apparent confusion and» — la observación epistemológica con que Davis resuelve el problema del desorden aparente: las concepciones humanas de orden se fundan en la realidad supuesta de la confusión aparente; el tramo se corta en el salto de plana.

«There are four general classes of vegetable developments here existing. One class assumes high and bulky forms, but it is produced» — Davis clasifica en cuatro las formas vegetales de Saturno, y la primera toma formas altas y voluminosas; el tramo se corta en el salto de plana.

«The perfection of their internal principle far exceeds that of any class of human beings in our Solar System. They associate with the knowledge of the second Sphere!» — lo que pone a los habitantes de Saturno por encima de los hombres de la tierra en su sistema: asocian con el saber de la segunda Esfera, que es la fuente que el propio libro reclama.

«They do not walk erect, but assume an inclined position, frequently using their hands and arms in walking, the lower extremities being rather shorter than the arms according to our standard of proportion. And by a modest desire to be seen only in an inclined position, they have formed this habit, which has become an established custom among them.» — del § 24, sobre los habitantes de Júpiter: no caminan erguidos, y Davis adjudica la postura a una costumbre establecida por modestia y no a la anatomía.

«Therefore they can not think one thing and speak another; for their expression would betray their inward sentiments.» — la consecuencia moral que saca de su fisonomía: no pueden pensar una cosa y decir otra, porque la expresión delataría el sentimiento interior.

«They do not die, but rather sink into repose by an expansion of their interiors which seek more agreeable spheres.» — la muerte descrita como reposo y expansión del interior hacia esferas más agradables, que es la fórmula con que el libro la trata en todo el volumen.

«Thirty years is the average duration of their form’s existence.» — y la duración media que adjudica a esas vidas, derivada de su regla de que lo más fino dura menos en la forma.

«They are divided into families, associations, and nations. Their families are composed of such individuals as have a desire for the company of each other from a congeniality of interior affection. Families grow into associations, and these into nations: and the whole forms one perfect, harmonious, spiritual brotherhood!» — la escala social que Davis adjudica a Júpiter, de las familias a las naciones, y que la tercera parte reclamará para la tierra.

«Concerning Jupiter’s spiritual inhabitants, I will hereafter speak, when the knowledge is given me by spiritual influx from the sixth Sphere.» — una de las pocas veces en que la voz declara el límite de lo que en ese momento le es dado, y lo hace dependiendo de un influjo posterior desde la sexta Esfera.

«§ 25. Approaching nearer to the sun, the plan of uniformity is apparently confused, by the appearance of four spheroidal bodies.» — el § 25 se hace cargo del caso que más desordena su ley de uniformidad, los cuatro asteroides descubiertos en ese siglo.

«Ceres, Pallas, Juno, and Vesta, are the names applied to these bodies. And the fact that their orbits are exceedingly elliptic and constantly intersecting the planes of each other, has suggested the hypothesis that they were formed from a comet which appeared in the year 1770» — Davis nombra los cuatro asteroides y consigna la hipótesis corriente sobre su origen cometario antes de objetarla.

«It is scarcely necessary to say that the above conclusion is incorrect : for a thorough knowledge of the laws of matter and motion, and the relation which exists between every particle in being, would annihilate in a moment the above hypothesis.» — y la objeta apoyándose en su propia doctrina de la materia y el movimiento; el troceo separa los dos puntos.

«Inasmuch as there was not a perfect association of interior materials, great convulsions were constantly going on throughout its composition.» — la explicación que da del origen de los asteroides, por convulsiones internas de un cuerpo sin asociación perfecta de materiales.

«Combined they produce one planet; which may and will be confirmed by astronomical researchers, who are at liberty to test the truth or falsity of this revealment.» — y el modo en que Davis expone esa afirmación a prueba, invitando a los investigadores astronómicos a ponerla a prueba o a negarla.

«And the only thought concerning these asteroids that may be made useful in application to the inhabitants of the earth is, that they manifest the natural result of interior elements that are discordant and opposed to each other.» — la lectura moral que saca del caso, y que es el modo en que el libro devuelve toda la astronomía a la reforma social.

«And as these small bodies typify the present condition of the world; so will the world be typical, when it becomes united, of what these asteroids will 'ultimately be, a perfect planet.» — y la figura entera: los asteroides como tipo de la condición presente del mundo, y el mundo unido como tipo de lo que ellos llegarán a ser.

«It is in density about three times the density of water. Its mean distance from the Sun is a little more than one hundred and fortyfour millions of miles. Considering its polar diversified appearance, its diameter is about four thousand two hundred and twenty miles.» — del § 26, las cifras de densidad, distancia y diámetro que da para Marte; el guion de fin de renglón queda unido y el troceo devuelve fortyfour donde la fuente imprime forty-four.

«Its surface abounds with extensive vegetable productions, these being still more numerous than those of Jupiter, less perfect, but superior to those of Earth.» — y la escala en que sitúa la vegetación marciana, entre la de Júpiter y la de la Tierra.

«But the idea of beauty is in them as in us, a result of habitual modes of thought rather than of a knowledge of that which is intrinsically fine and perfect.» — la acotación relativista con que Davis desactiva la extrañeza del lector ante la figura de esos habitantes: la idea de belleza es resultado de modos habituales de pensamiento.

«Therefore the only standard of beauty that can be erected, either on this or any other earth in the Universe, is that which meets the general approbation of society.» — y el único criterio de belleza que admite para cualquier planeta, el que reúne la aprobación general de la sociedad.

«The ideas which we have concerning that which is good, have arisen from the comparison of apparent evil.» — la doctrina del bien y del mal que se sigue de su negativa de los opuestos: la idea del bien nace de la comparación con el mal aparente.

«Hence conceptions of purity and refinement are enlarged in proportion to the knowledge one possesses of what is impure and unrefined.» — y su corolario, que hace crecer las concepciones de pureza en proporción al conocimiento de lo impuro.

«In speaking, therefore, of the inhabitants of Mars, I say they are perfect comparatively: for the word “perfect” can only be used in a comparative sense» — Davis acota la palabra perfecto, que dice usable solo en sentido comparativo, y con ella todas sus descripciones planetarias.

«Their knowledge of internal truths is founded upon the knowledge which they possess of the science of correspondences.» — el saber que adjudica a los marcianos es el mismo que el libro practica, la ciencia de las correspondencias.

«When one conceives a thought, and desires to express it, he casts his beaming eyes upon the eyes of another; and his sentiments instantly become known.» — el modo de conversación que Davis adjudica a los marcianos, por la mirada y no por la boca y la lengua.

«§ 28. The Earth stands next in order and degree, in relation to Mars. But as it is the locality upon which have been formed all the computations relating to the Solar System, and also is the locality upon which I reveal these truths, it must be left unnoticed until the description of other parts of the Solar System is completed.» — el § 28 explica por qué deja la Tierra para el final, por ser el lugar desde el que se computa todo y desde el que dicta.

«Its density is six times that of water. Its diameter is nearly eight thousand miles. It exists sixty-eight millions of miles from the Sun. It rotates upon its axis in twenty-three and a half hours; and its period of revolution is two hundred and twenty-four days.» — las cifras que da para Venus, cuya descripción es la que más se aparta de lo que el libro dice de los otros planetas.

«The inhabitants upon the further side are in form nearly like the inhabitants of Earth, — with the exception that heavier materials enter into their composition.» — la primera de las dos naciones de Venus, que Davis pone cerca de los habitantes de la Tierra en forma.

«The inhabitants upon this side of the planet are exceedingly dissimilar to the others. They are very tall, stout, and physically energetic, and are imperfect when compared with man on Earth.» — y la segunda, que declara imperfecta comparada con el hombre de la Tierra, en el pasaje más duro de todas las descripciones planetarias.

«They form themselves into troops, and march forth to plunder the stores of other nations. They cruelly interfere with the peace and quietness of the inhabitants of other regions.» — la conducta que adjudica a esa segunda nación, con expediciones de saqueo contra las otras regiones.

«Thus are two distinct nations inhabiting the surface of Venus. And the beauty and magnificence of other planets are not by them conceived of or imagined.» — y el balance del planeta, con dos naciones distintas y ninguna capaz de concebir la magnificencia de los otros mundos.

«§ 29. By virtue of laws and principles heretofore explained, Mercury has assumed its present existence and form.» — el § 29 pasa a Mercurio, el último de la serie descendente.

«They consider that words and technicalities are too often mere false sheaths to conceal a corrupt and imperfect interior.» — lo único en que Davis pone a los mercurianos por encima del lector: tienen las palabras y los tecnicismos por vainas falsas que ocultan un interior corrupto.

«But this planet has not been inhabited longer than about eight thousand years; while the other habitable planets have been peopled for innumerable ages.» — y la cifra de antigüedad que da para la población de Mercurio, contra edades innumerables en los demás planetas habitables.

«Their implements for the destruction of one another, are curiously hewn stones, which are thrown from a sling at each other, and which when they strike, cause horrible incisions.» — las armas que adjudica a esos habitantes, piedras labradas lanzadas con honda.

«Its diameter has not been as yet correctly determined. It has been calculated as being eight hundred and eighty-six thousand miles in diameter, and the results of calculations have varied from this to that of a million miles.» — el § 30 consigna el desacuerdo entre los cálculos del diámetro solar de su tiempo sin arbitrar entre ellos.

«But as the appearance of a substance is not always an indication of its real reality, so in this particular, as in many others, external observations have failed to give a true conception of the thing observed.» — y objeta las opiniones corrientes sobre la fotosfera y las manchas con la misma regla que gobierna el libro, la de lo externo que no da la realidad interna.

«It can not decrease in magnitude; for it has become a planet of the requisite degree of density, belonging to a more interior Centre.» — la razón por la que declara que el sol no puede menguar, que reencaja la tesis de que el sol es un planeta de otro centro.

«For there is nothing existing in the Universe so low and imperfect that it does not represent some higher spheres; and there are no forms or substances in being so perfect that they are not the lowest of some still more perfect.» — la fórmula más apretada de la progresión universal, en la que nada es tan bajo que no represente algo más alto ni tan perfecto que no sea lo más bajo de algo mejor.

«Thus our Solar System typifies slightly, the inconceivable Solar System of the Univercoelum!» — la correspondencia entre las dos escalas del libro, con el sistema solar como tipo del Univercoelum.

«It is now manifest to every enlarged understanding, that the lowest typifies the highest; and the very moment you conceive of such a representation, all idea of opposites is annihilated.» — y la resuelve por su doctrina de la tipificación: concebido que lo más bajo tipifica lo más alto, la idea de opuestos queda anulada.

«Therefore opposites do not exist; but that which is gross, and imperfect, and apparently opposed to higher developments, merely has not progressed to the standard of perfection that we have erected.» — la formulación final de esa tesis, con lo imperfecto definido solo como lo que no ha progresado hasta el estándar que nosotros erigimos.

«For though thought is unlimited and uncontrolled, thought is not knowledge.» — la distinción con que acota el alcance de su propia investigación: el pensamiento es ilimitado y no por eso es conocimiento.

«As one and the same Principle must produce all things in the regions of space, it is evident that only one description of formations can be correct.» — Davis consigna él mismo la discrepancia entre sus dos descripciones de la creación y admite que solo una puede ser correcta.

«The object of describing the Univercoelum as it has been described, was to enable the mind to form a most extended conception of infinite space.» — y da la razón de la primera, que era dar a la mente la concepción más extensa posible del espacio infinito.

«And to them, as to us, the spirit is obscure, and as yet undefined; for the reason that no principle» — el límite que Davis adjudica a los marcianos es el mismo que el libro se impone: tampoco para ellos el espíritu se investiga a sí mismo; el tramo se corta en el salto de plana.

«And on grounds like these here furnished, have we based our ideas of opposites; for when meditating upon the degraded and imperfect condition of the inhabitants of Mercury, and contrasting them with» — el § 31 explica de dónde sale la idea de los opuestos, y la adjudica al contraste entre los habitantes de Mercurio y los de Saturno; el tramo se corta en el salto de plana.

«I come now to the portion of this revelation that is most immediately connected with the curiosity and interest of every enlightened mind, and upon the subject of which an incalculable amount of thought and speculation has been conceived» — Davis, en el estado superior, abre el § 32 anunciando el asunto sobre el que dice haberse concebido una cantidad incalculable de pensamiento y especulacion.

«It is a subject in respect to which philosophical and psychological minds have put forth all their powers of investigation, and concerning which there has been a constant antagonism between philosophy and theology, and between chimeras and reason. — This subject is the origin and beginning OF THE WORLD» — y nombra el asunto: el origen y el comienzo del mundo, en el que sitúa un antagonismo constante entre la filosofía y la teología y entre las quimeras y la razón.

«Philosophy has endeavored to account for the origin and formation of this globe on principles of Nature and Reason; while theology has put forth every effort to sustain the opinions entertained by primitive generations, and sanctioned by theological authority» — reparte los dos bandos: la filosofía busca dar cuenta del origen del globo por la Naturaleza y la razón, la teología sostiene las opiniones de las generaciones primitivas sancionadas por la autoridad teológica.

«The mythological opinions of primitive nations have been gradually and imperceptibly modified, as knowledge has been unfolded in the minds of mankind. And these modifications have been so imperceptible to each subsequent generation, that the nineteenth century only unfolds a true conception of the change, by its contrast of truth, and light, and knowledge, with the ignorance and superstition of the extreme ages of antiquity» — Davis traza la modificación imperceptible de las opiniones mitológicas y pone al siglo XIX como el único que despliega una concepción verdadera del cambio, por contraste con la ignorancia de la antigüedad.

«Some have ignorantly supposed that the world assumed its present form and condition in an instant of time; and that it was supported in its present position by gigantic beings, each of which was supported by others still more powerful, until supposition lost the foundation upon which they all stood, amid the realms of fancy and imagination. And the opinion reigned from this period up to a few centuries ago, that the world was perfectly immoveable, and perfectly flattened at its surface» — enumera las opiniones que niega: el mundo hecho en un instante, sostenido por seres gigantescos, inmóvil y aplanado en su superficie.

«Others, again, have supposed that from an incomprehensible Nothing, a tangible Something was created; and to admit that something always existed, was contrary to the assumptions of a mythological theology. And by a gradual modification of these opinions, a duration from the creation of the world was fixed upon by many primitive nations, which varied from six thousand to forty thousand years» — y la otra: que de una Nada incomprensible se creó un Algo tangible, con duraciones del mundo fijadas por las naciones primitivas entre seis mil y cuarenta mil años.

«Let, then, an unprejudiced and philosophical disposition characterize your minds, so that you may be enabled to follow distinctly the lines and indices of the immutable principles of Nature, to their legitimate terminations. And let it be from a profound reverence — from an interior and supreme love of these principles’ Author, that you adhere to their legitimate teachings. Let the mind be deeply impressed that all principles of Nature are merely breathings, and emanations from a First Principle — from a primitive Essence — from the Great Positive Mind» — la exhortación con que pide al lector una disposición sin prejuicio, y la fórmula con que nombra el origen de todo principio: una Primera Causa, una Esencia primitiva, la Gran Mente Positiva.

«When speaking of Matter, I have reference to the tangible and material combinations of the earth and all things therein contained, including the substances and essences that are existing in the material Universe. When speaking of the Laws of Matter, I have reference to the visible tendencies of matter, such as have been termed attraction, repulsion, gravitation, chemical affinity, and association» — Davis define sus propios términos antes de la cosmogonía: Materia son las combinaciones tangibles, y Leyes de la Materia las tendencias visibles que se han llamado atracción, repulsión, gravitación, afinidad química y asociación.

«mind does not perceive the connexion between the lower and the higher, or the material and the spiritual, though in reality the law is the same in both. But it differs only as the composition and organization differ; for the material gradually ascends to spiritual composition and is subjected to spiritual laws, by a chain of unbroken and ceaseless development» — sostiene que la ley es la misma en lo material y en lo espiritual, y que solo difiere por la composición, porque lo material asciende a composición espiritual por una cadena ininterrumpida; la frase abre en la plana anterior y el tramo arranca tras el salto.

«At a period too remote for computation, there was an accumulation of an inconceivable and incalculable magnitude, competed of atoms and particles that previously constituted the atmosphere of the Sun. And the latter was an inconceivable time in producing this conjugation of particles—whose consentaneousness was such that they subsequently became condensed, and by the action of perpetual energies inherently existing, gradually (and so gradually that the lapse of time during the process is unimaginable) produced the oblately spheroidal form of the earth and its satellite» — el § 33 arranca la formación de la Tierra: una acumulación de átomos que antes componían la atmósfera del Sol, condensada hasta la forma esferoidal oblata del planeta y su satélite; el troceo imprime competed por composed.

«The force by which they left the Sun is termed repulsion; and their association together is called attraction: and the position of the earth in reference to the Sun is the result of what is supposed to be the laws of attraction and repulsion» — Davis nombra las dos fuerzas con los términos recibidos, repulsión y atracción, y dice que la posición de la Tierra respecto del Sol resulta de lo que se supone que son esas leyes.

«The rotary motion is an effect produced by the impetus of particles and atoms rushing to the great body. The same is represented in the forces by which motion is applied to any round body. And its revolutionary motion in an elliptic orbit, having an aphelion and perihelion in contraposition to the Sun, is an effect produced by the general impetus given it—by a perpetual application of the forces producing the rotary motion. And inasmuch as its orbit is elliptical, the evidence is manifest that the whole body was thrown from another body more immense, having the same motions, which were in accordance with its own immensity» — adjudica la rotación al ímpetu de las partículas que se precipitan al cuerpo, y de la órbita elíptica con afelio y perihelio deduce que el cuerpo entero fue arrojado de otro más inmenso con los mismos movimientos.

«It would be impossible for any solid or elastic substance to assume a spherical form; for the extreme density of solids, and the adhesive and repulsive tendency of elastics, would exclude the possibility of matter in either state assuming a globular form. It is evident from this (and there are other general and well-ascertained truths to substantiate it), that the primal condition of the earth was that of a kind of fire-matter, in a state of active fluidity» — el argumento de la forma: ni un sólido ni un elástico podrían tomar forma esférica, de donde Davis fija la condición primera de la tierra como una especie de fuego-materia en fluidez activa.

«And while I am impressed to speak truthfully concerning the original and subsequent conditions of the Universe, it would be interfering with the efforts of philosophical minds to merely repeat old, or introduce new, illustrations of what is now nearly incontestably established» — Davis dice en primera persona estar impresionado para hablar con verdad de las condiciones del Universo, y por eso se niega a repetir los experimentos ajenos ya establecidos.

«And that the original form was angular, ascending rapidly to the circular, is also a general truth. Representations of these forms are presented in the first forms upon earth, as subordinate to the circular and others. The trap and basalt that have been thrown from the interior of the earth (and that, too, by the virtue of internal heat), indicate these forms especially, inasmuch as they are the most prominent and rugged manifestations in Nature. It is impossible for any substance to assume any form above the angular, as the first» — la ley de las formas: la primera es la angular y ninguna sustancia puede tomar otra por encima de ella como primera, por rápido que se modifique hacia la circular.

«And the satellite manifests precisely the effect of what we have asserted were the forces acting upon it: and the earth in its rotary and revolutionary motions, and in the observance of its elliptic path, manifests exactly that which existed in what we claim to have been the Cause or Fountain which ushered it into existence. If this is not substantially and philosophically correct, it is the duty of speculators to explain more distinctly the cause of the motions of the earth and other planets» — cierra la prueba por correspondencia entre causa y efecto y devuelve la carga al contrario: si esto no es correcto, toca a los especuladores explicar mejor la causa de los movimientos de la tierra.

«For as the Univercoelum was the Embryo of all other existences, so each form produces, through successive modifications and assimilations, all the substances that generate forms and entities, whether solid, elastic, or fluid, upon every planet» — la fórmula del embrión: como el Univercoelum fue el Embrión de todas las demás existencias, cada forma produce por modificaciones sucesivas todas las sustancias que generan formas en la superficie de cada planeta; el tramo se corta antes del genitivo.

«Several thousand miles of molten lava and unimaginable fire rolls through the subterraneous abodes of the earth» — y la cifra con que describe el interior del planeta: varios miles de millas de lava fundida y fuego inimaginable rodando por las moradas subterráneas de la tierra.

«Geology has applied definitive terms to each formation, both of the earthy, vegetable, and animal kingdoms; and the use of these in the following revealment, becomes both proper and expedient» — Davis declara que usará el vocabulario de los geólogos, porque la geología ya aplicó términos definidos a cada formación de los reinos terrestre, vegetal y animal.

«Let it be understood, then, that the whole fluid mass was in a state of motion and agitation, and that the whole abounded with inconceivable heat, the first development of fire. While in this condition, the elements, both interiorly and exteriorly, were incessantly active. The surface of the whole mass was gradually and imperceptibly relieved of its heat; and by a consequent shrinking and condensation of particles, the whole surface became united together by an elastic coating» — el § 35 abre el enfriamiento: la masa fluida agitada se alivia imperceptiblemente del calor en su superficie y esta queda unida por una costra elástica.

«Notwithstanding the surface was exceedingly uneven already, it became more so by the catastrophic and volcanic operations that followed this closing up of interior heat. The inconceivable agitation of the internal, the mighty conflict of the roaring elements, the expansion of heat and particles, and their constant struggling to obtain relief, produced some of the most terrific explosions; and rocks were expelled that still stand as an evidence of the original, internal excitement reigning throughout the bowels of the earth» — y de ahí las explosiones: la agitación interna y la expansión del calor expulsan rocas que, dice, siguen en pie como evidencia de la excitación interior.

«At this time the water covered nearly the whole face of the earth. This element being an active agent, and a cause of action, began its powerful workings upon the sides of these mountains and ejected rocks. And by the incessant action of this excited element, these rocky portions of the earth were gradually and imperceptibly worn away» — sitúa el agua cubriendo casi toda la faz de la tierra y le adjudica el desgaste de las rocas eyectadas, con la misma causa produciendo el mismo efecto todavía hoy.

«The element known as water was not then existing as composed of the same substantial elements with the water now upon the earth’s surface. For in the first place, it was impossible for oxygen and hydrogen to have been developed, especially in sufficient quantities to produce in combination these oceans of water» — la tesis que él mismo llama inconsistente: el agua de entonces no estaba compuesta de los mismos elementos que la de ahora, porque el oxígeno y el hidrógeno no podían haberse desarrollado en cantidad suficiente.

«However inconsistent the above proposition may appear, it is nevertheless true,—for the manifest reason that at this stage of formation oxygen and hydrogen could not have composed water; because having no attraction from without, they could not have been developed. They therefore remained in the gross form that will soon be described, the decomposition of which produced a most dense watery liquid, of one fourth the specific gravity of quicksilver» — y la densidad que le fija: un líquido acuoso densísimo, de un cuarto de la gravedad específica del azogue.

«Thus water has been agreed upon as having the density of 1000; and the densities of all other bodies are expressed according to their relations to this standard» — Davis toma el patrón convencional de densidad, el agua en mil, para medir por comparación todos los demás cuerpos.

«For composition, and decomposition, and recomposition, are tendencies which matter manifests in every department of the Universe. The whole Mass of Matter, including all elements and principles, is conjoined by association; and this fact, whether as relating to substances gross or refined, defies all power to reduce particles composing any form of matter, to their ultimate state of disconnexion» — contra la divisibilidad última de la materia: la Masa entera está conjuntada por asociación, y eso desafía todo poder de reducir las partículas a un estado último de desconexión.

«The substance known as granite, is of itself a combination of other substances in which one or more of the following may be found. Mica is not generally very prominent; but feldspar, quartz, and hornblende, are more conspicuous. And these again are composed of an indefinite number of elements and particles, — and these also of still other associated molecules, &c. And the combination of the whole produces the former substances» — desglosa el granito en mica, feldespato, cuarzo y hornblenda, y estos a su vez en un número indefinido de elementos y de moléculas asociadas.

«Matter is a term used as equivalent to the substance of everything in the Universe; but as substances are changed, so are also the names by which they are designated. And commencing at granite, as being originally of the proximate density of quicksilver, we next come to an element of the density of sulphuric acid; then to water; then to sulphuric ether; then to the atmosphere; then to its ultimate, fluorine; then to the imponderable elements known as magnetism and electricity» — el § 36 ordena la escala de densidades desde el granito hasta los imponderables: azogue, ácido sulfúrico, agua, éter sulfúrico, atmósfera, flúor, y al cabo el magnetismo y la electricidad.

«For it was only after these principles had been for ages incessantly producing phenomena before the eyes of the world, that the dia-magnetic principle» — y sitúa el descubrimiento del principio diamagnético como índice de otros mayores, tras siglos de fenómenos producidos ante los ojos del mundo; el tramo se corta antes de la llamada de nota.

«The contents of this section were delivered on the 29th of April, 1846» — Fishbough data en nota la sesión de la que salió esta sección.

«On my inquiring the name of the discoverer, the clairvoyant passed off (i. e. spiritually, the body assuming the inclined position, as is explained on page 38), and on returning he remarked, “It sounds like” — (hesitating and passing off again) — “he is known as Professor Faraday» — Fishbough describe en nota el procedimiento del dictado: al preguntar por el nombre del descubridor, el clarividente se ausenta, el cuerpo toma la posición inclinada, y al volver nombra al profesor Faraday.

«I mention this phenomenon, apparently unimportant at first view, as one which establishes the fact of the clairvoyant’s receiving impressions of sounds as well as of facts and things» — y el escriba dice para qué lo consigna: para dejar dicho que el clarividente recibe impresiones de sonidos y no solo de hechos y cosas.

«At the period last contemplated, the whole face of Nature manifested the most inconceivable convulsions, the result of which was the ejection of rocks and mountain prominences, the interstices between which were filled by a fluid element of one fourth the density of quicksilver, or exceeding somewhat the density of sulphuric acid, which is about twice the density of water. This fluid was produced by a development of the grosser forms of oxygen, of sulphurous acid, of alumina, and of carbon» — vuelta al relato: las convulsiones eyectan rocas y montañas, y el fluido que llena los intersticios se produce por el desarrollo de las formas gruesas de oxígeno, ácido sulfuroso, alúmina y carbono.

«The atmosphere that then enveloped the whole Mass, was altogether unlike that which now encompasses the earth. A dense atmospheric composition was emanated from the internal elements. This in specific gravity was not much less than water now existing. No form possessing life could have existed upon the earth’s surface while the elements were in this state; and they continued in this state through a number of ages that transcends all computation» — describe la atmósfera primitiva como emanada de los elementos internos y de gravedad específica no muy menor que la del agua de ahora, y niega que forma alguna con vida pudiera existir mientras duró ese estado.

«The atmosphere was composed of a very small portion of nitrogen, one sixth of carbon, and the remainder consisted of the imperfect developments of hydrogen, sulphur, and fluorine» — y le da su composición: muy poco nitrógeno, un sexto de carbono y el resto en desarrollos imperfectos de hidrógeno, azufre y flúor.

«A telescopic view of the earth from Mars or Venus would at this time have presented the same appearance that is sometimes presented by Mars and Mercury. It would have exhibited a deep red appearance, encircled by a dark ring of atmosphere; the same as we would naturally expect if a planet were in a state of fusion, or in a burning condition» — la figura con que Davis pone al lector fuera del planeta: desde Marte o Venus la Tierra de entonces se habría visto de un rojo profundo ceñido por un anillo oscuro de atmósfera, como un planeta en fusión.

«And as the heat ascended, the deposited materials became united; and thus were formed the primary stratified rocks known as gneiss and mica slate, interspersed with mica schist» — el mecanismo de las primeras rocas estratificadas: el calor que asciende por los sedimentos une los materiales depositados y forma el gneis y la pizarra de mica.

«The primitive elements are supposed to be fifty-five in number, about forty of which are metallic, and the rest are non-metallic. These, in various modifications, are supposed not only to form the substance of the whole earth, but also its gaseous elements» — consigna la cuenta que la química de su tiempo daba de los elementos primitivos, cincuenta y cinco, unos cuarenta metálicos y el resto no metálicos.

«Carbon and carbonic acid gas prevailed more extensively during the period of early stratification than at any time since that period. Lime contains in every cubic yard, ten thousand cubic feet of carbonic acid gas : and carbon also enters into the composition of coal, to the amount of from sixty to seventy-five per cent» — la prueba que saca de la cal y del carbón: el carbono secuestrado en ellos mide cuánto más prevalecía el carbono y el ácido carbónico en el periodo de la primera estratificación.

«No substance has as yet been formed, which contains properties and elements that were not existing in the primitive formations» — la regla que Davis impone a toda la historia geológica: ninguna sustancia formada después contiene propiedades ni elementos que no estuvieran ya en las formaciones primitivas.

«It is a well-established truth, that every substance in a state of crystallization possesses, before its coherent elements are reduced to a fluid or gaseous state, forms that it never again assumes in subsequent condensation» — la ley de la cristalización: toda sustancia cristalizada posee, antes de ser reducida a fluido o gas, formas que ya no vuelve a tomar en condensaciones posteriores.

«The first stages of crystallization in any substance demonstrate the angular form of every particle engaged in the process. The first congregation of particles produces the least perfect form of crystallization. And by dissolving this crystal, and causing its particles to ascend into the fluid or gaseous condition, and to become again condensed, there is produced a finer and more perfect form of the crystal» — y su prueba por repetición: disolver el cristal, hacer ascender sus partículas y condensarlas de nuevo da una forma más fina y más perfecta.

«Therefore no elements have been brought into being during the successive stages of formation, that did not exist in the beginning; and all the difference existing between the higher and lower substances is owing to a change in the forms and composition of particles» — Davis fija la consecuencia: ningún elemento nuevo entró en el ser durante las etapas sucesivas de formación, y toda la diferencia entre sustancias altas y bajas se debe al cambio de forma y de composición de las partículas.

«The earth primitively, then, was in the undeveloped condition before described. And the first condensation produced the granite; the second development was that of the fluid mass referred to, and the third, being the ultimate of the last two, was the atmosphere» — el resumen en tres tiempos de la Tierra primitiva: la primera condensación dio el granito, el segundo desarrollo la masa fluida y el tercero, ultimación de los dos, la atmósfera.

«Then the circumference of the earth was a little more than thirty thousand miles. And during the lapse of innumerable ages, a coating of granite was formed, of nearly one hundred miles in thickness, all of which was before the gneiss and mica slate system made its appearance» — las cifras que da para esa época: algo más de treinta mil millas de circunferencia y una costra de granito de cerca de cien millas de espesor antes de que apareciera el sistema de gneis y pizarra de mica.

«In this formation is found the series of fossils known as crinoides, conchiferae, poliparia, Crustacea, and indistinct traces of marine polypi» — la lista de fósiles que adjudica a la grauvaca, donde sitúa el tránsito de lo primario a lo fosilífero.

«At this period of the earth’s history, wonders of a still more profound and interesting nature present themselves for research and steady contemplation. The primary coating of the igneous mass has ascended to the grauwacke slate system; and the water and atmosphere have become essentially changed, having one more degree of refinement than they possessed during the formation of the last system. And Motion is also ascending, and entering into forms possessing Life» — el § 38 pone el umbral: la costra primaria ha ascendido al sistema de grauvaca, el agua y la atmósfera tienen un grado más de refinamiento y el Movimiento asciende y entra en formas que poseen Vida.

«It has been, and still will be, a subject of extensive discussion, whether Motion, by any possible means or modification of its conditions, can produce the phenomenon of Life» — Davis deja planteada la discusión en sus propios términos: si el Movimiento puede, por algún medio o modificación de sus condiciones, producir el fenómeno de la Vida.

«Motion is the first of all living Principles contained in living matter, — and the ultimate of this, together with that of its vehicle, Matter, produces Spirit» — la escala que responde a esa pregunta: el Movimiento es el primero de los Principios vivientes, y su ultimación junto con la de su vehículo, la Materia, produce el Espíritu.

«Causes have been conceived of which have had no existence in Nature, as being the immediate agent of breathing the first breath of life into every form» — niega las causas ajenas a la Naturaleza que se han concebido como agente inmediato de insuflar el primer aliento de vida en cada forma.

«Experiments, however, in one or two instances, have to a great extent succeeded; that is to say, by a proper compound being placed in a favorable position, and acted upon by electrical forces, life, and a singular species of animal, have been produced» — consigna sin embargo los experimentos en que un compuesto puesto en posición favorable y sometido a fuerzas eléctricas produjo vida y una especie singular de animal, y niega que eso resuelva la cuestión del origen.

«This, then, is the era in which Motion becomes Life, and in which materials enter into combinations suitable for its development,—of which combinations plants are the types and indications» — fecha el paso con una fórmula: esta es la era en que el Movimiento se vuelve Vida, y las plantas son sus tipos e indicaciones.

«For the very moment that one particle attained life upon this earth, that moment Life, Sensation, and Intelligence, were determined as inevitable and endless results» — y de una sola partícula viva deduce lo demás: desde ese momento quedaron determinadas como inevitables y sin fin la Vida, la Sensación y la Inteligencia.

«It is not necessary to discuss the proposition, yet unrefuted, that Life is a progressive development of the principle of Motion, and that the marine plants were the first forms suited for such development. For animals could not have existed before vegetables, because the first is an ultimate of the second, containing one more principle, which the plant only typifies» — sostiene que la Vida es un desarrollo progresivo del principio del Movimiento y que las plantas marinas fueron las primeras formas aptas, porque el animal es ultimación del vegetal y contiene un principio más.

«Very extensive discussions have also arisen in reference to the laws of mutation of species and progressive development. The general opinion existing in reference to this subject, has arisen from the diverse indications of the first and subsequent rocks containing plants and animals, and from the general classifications into which these seem naturally to arrange themselves. This opinion is, that the whole creation, from the lowest to the highest formation, has proceeded in an order of succession, so as to exhibit a general correspondence as existing between the geological and zoological creations» — el § 39 recoge la disputa sobre la mutación de las especies y el desarrollo progresivo, y enuncia la opinión popular de una correspondencia general entre la creación geológica y la zoológica.

«Argument, therefore, is not required in the present instance to show the truthfulness of this or any other proposition; but all that is required is a definite explanation of the origin and character of the first forms which Nature breathed into existence previously to the carboniferous formation» — y se sale de la disputa: dice que no hace falta argumento, sino una explicación definida del origen y el carácter de las primeras formas anteriores a la formación carbonífera.

«Chemistry will unfold the fact that light when confined in a certain condition, and condensed, will produce water: and that water thus formed, subjected to the vertical influence of light, will produce by its internal motion and further condensation, a gelatinous substance of the composition of the spirifer, the motion of which indicates animal life. This again being decomposed and subjected to evaporation, the precipitated particles which still remain will produce putrified matter similar to earth, which will produce the plant known as the fucoides» — la cadena experimental con que sostiene la generación: la luz condensada produce agua, el agua bajo influencia vertical una sustancia gelatinosa de la composición del espirifer, y esta, descompuesta, la planta llamada fucoides.

«As has been before remarked, all the elements had undergone a material and substantial modification, at the close of the transition rock, or grauwacke system. And many portions of the sea-beds were at this time in a state susceptible of giving birth to new forms» — sitúa el momento al cierre de la roca de transición, con muchos lechos marinos ya en estado de dar a luz formas nuevas.

«Here was manifested the generating power of motion, and the phenomena of life, of death, and of reorganization. For the decomposition of any one atom in these gelatinous masses, represented the disorganization of all bodies, or death; while the recombination represents the principle whose pregnation results in bringing into existence new forms and organizations» — lee en esas masas gelatinosas la vida, la muerte y la reorganización a la vez: la descomposición de un átomo representa la muerte de todo cuerpo, y la recombinación el principio cuya preñez trae formas nuevas.

«These breathed into existence the forms termed flowerless and marine plants, the highest type of which is the fucoides» — y nombra lo que de ahí sale: las formas llamadas plantas sin flor y marinas, cuyo tipo más alto es el fucoides.

«Plants of this period were not very perfectly formed, being destitute of ultimate portions (or seeds, flowers, and foliage), and being unsuited for any other purpose than that of producing a higher order of forms—the former merely representing the latter» — les niega semillas, flores y follaje y les adjudica una sola función, producir un orden más alto de formas que ellas nada más representan.

«Here Motion and Life became visible. Motion was originally and eternally established; while Life, its ascending development, was first manifested in the imperfect forms of marine plants» — la frase con que separa los dos principios: el Movimiento estaba establecido desde el origen y la Vida, su desarrollo ascendente, se manifestó primero en las formas imperfectas de las plantas marinas.

«Ascending in the scale of being, the radiata and polyparia stand next in order,—these being results of the decomposition of former substances, and of combinations of these with other elements, the whole assuming, as a consequent result, the form next in the order of development» — el § 40 sube un peldaño: los radiata y los polyparia siguen en orden, como resultado de la descomposición de sustancias anteriores y de sus combinaciones.

«The term “radiata” is improperly applied; for forms which this term implies were not in reality existing» — y enmienda de paso a los nomencladores: dice que el término radiata está mal aplicado porque las formas que implica no existían en realidad.

«The radiata were below these, assuming the form of suspended moss; having an interwoven and complex membrane, the vehicle of transmitting imperfect sensation, more properly life, that was exhibited in the radiating feelers that were thrown out from every portion of the united substance. So perfect were these feelers, that any molecule or substance passing near them would be suddenly caught, and by an active decomposition—that which is known as digestion—they would unite these with their own substance; and from this cause their nature was subjected to constant change» — describe los radiata como musgo suspendido de membrana entretejida, con tentáculos que atrapan cuanto pasa cerca y lo unen a su propia sustancia por lo que llama digestión.

«As a link in the transition from the radiata to the articulata, the productus and terebratula occur. And these are composed chiefly of the particles that were floating in the solution of lime, mica slate, and gneiss, after these had become modified in the first forms» — pone al productus y a la terebratula como eslabón del tránsito de los radiata a los articulata, compuestos de las partículas que flotaban en la solución de cal, pizarra de mica y gneis.

«The clairvoyant requested the insertion of a note stating that the reason why his classifications of the organic productions of the ancient periods differed slightly in some respects from those made by geologists, is because he found that the latter did not strictly conform to Nature» — Fishbough consigna en nota, a petición del clarividente, por qué sus clasificaciones difieren de las de los geólogos: porque halló que estas no se conforman estrictamente a la Naturaleza.

«The period occupied in the transition of the whole globe, is to us inconceivable; for Nature at this period manifested no impulsive or catastrophic occurrences, but was calm and quiet, and to us would have appeared entirely desolate, inasmuch as no objects were in existence but the minute marine plants» — describe ese periodo como calmo y sin catástrofes, y a nuestros ojos enteramente desolado, porque no existía objeto alguno salvo las plantas marinas diminutas.

«The reason why I denominate all the living developments of this period vegetable and avertebrated, is because Sensation has not as yet become a distinct principle» — da la razón de su propia nomenclatura: llama vegetal y avertebrado a todo lo vivo de este periodo porque la Sensación no se ha vuelto todavía un principio distinto.

«The term “sensation,” as applied to life, vitality, or a minute degree of motion, is altogether improper; for sensation is as distinct from life as life is from motion. For sensation is the principle that connects the inner life, or spirit, with the external body. Life may exist, where sensation does not» — y separa los tres términos: la sensación es tan distinta de la vida como la vida del movimiento, porque la sensación es el principio que conecta la vida interior o espíritu con el cuerpo externo.

«The latter formation is in some parts of the globe very thick, its thickness varying from three thousand to ten thousand feet» — la cifra que da al sistema de arenisca roja antigua, de tres mil a diez mil pies de espesor según la parte del globo.

«This period developed a still higher order of animals, which the Silurian system ultimately typified. Fishes now became extensively disseminated throughout the waters : and corals were existing in abundance» — y su fauna: los peces se diseminan por las aguas y los corales abundan.

«From the lower genera of molluscs, the gastropod becomes developed, and also a still higher species, which is the cephalopod» — traza la ascensión dentro de los moluscos, del gasterópodo al cefalópodo.

«Plants at this period have ascended to the sigillaria, with but little modification, although the same subsequently ascend to the class coniferae, which the carboniferous formation so extensively manifests in the slender, beautiful pines of which remains are found» — sitúa las plantas en la sigillaria y las hace ascender a las coníferas que la formación carbonífera manifiesta en los pinos esbeltos cuyos restos se hallan.

«This era, then, shows an ascension of animals to one degree above the avertebrated. Yet if these were properly arranged in order, the highest would show a great dissimilarity and superiority to the first species of the same classes—the species which I shall designate as the osseous fish development» — nombra el grado siguiente con un término propio: el desarrollo del pez óseo, un peldaño por encima del avertebrado.

«Dry land now became manifest,—and now followed a development of soil as resulting from the decomposition of gelatinous substances previously existing upon the same portions; and from this sprang up minute vegetable forms» — el momento en que aparece la tierra firme y el suelo se desarrolla por descomposición de las sustancias gelatinosas anteriores, y de ahí brotan las formas vegetales diminutas.

«The equilibrium had been gradually destroyed by the ascension and constant recombination of the watery element, whose previous density had balanced the expansive force of the interior. Therefore, to restore this equilibrium, the internal portions must have vent; and this was obtained by the extensive upheaving of those mountains now known as the Apennines and the Andes» — adjudica el levantamiento de los Apeninos y los Andes a la ruptura del equilibrio entre la fuerza expansiva del interior y la densidad del agua, que al ascender dejó de balancearla.

«The earth had, by condensation, become two thousand miles diminished in circumference since its magnitude was as before stated, which was during the elastic state of the primary coating» — y mide la contracción del planeta desde la costra primaria: dos mil millas menos de circunferencia.

«Therefore innumerable shells, and immense collections of all kinds of plants and animals then existing, were conveyed by the tides almost to the very tops of these and other mountains, and there deposited in the crevices and undulated portions of the rocks that compose them» — explica así los fósiles de las cumbres: las mareas los llevaron casi hasta lo alto de las montañas y los depositaron en las hendiduras de las rocas.

«the naturalist and geologist should not array them against the law of order and harmony which the uniformitarian endeavors to establish as constituting a system of progressive development» — pide a naturalistas y geólogos que no opongan esos particulares a la ley de orden y armonía que el uniformitario sostiene como sistema de desarrollo progresivo; la frase abre en la plana anterior y el tramo arranca tras el salto.

«It has been supposed by a conspicuous astronomer, that tides were produced by the law of attraction—by the action of the moon upon the earth. This can not be true; for attraction is not an established principle, especially beyond the atmosphere of any body or substance» — Davis niega la explicación lunar de las mareas atribuida a un astrónomo conspicuo, y de paso niega que la atracción sea un principio establecido más allá de la atmósfera de un cuerpo.

«If the moon has any attractive influence upon the earth (more than what consists in the natural relation existing between the two bodies), why, when the moon is in conjunction with the sun, does not the water become more elevated on the side of the earth next to these bodies, as might naturally be expected if such attraction existed» — y arma su objeción por preguntas: si hubiera tal atracción, el agua debería elevarse más del lado de la conjunción y los cuerpos pesar menos en ese lado.

«It is a well-ascertained truth in astronomy, and in the principles of mechanics, that a body rotating like the earth on its axis, has the greatest tendency to throw off substances in the direction in which it revolves. As the earth revolves from west to east, and, at the present time, once in twenty-four hours, it must of necessity produce two elevations of water, especially as the water surrounds the whole globe» — pone en su lugar la fuerza centrífuga: un cuerpo que rota como la tierra arroja sustancias en la dirección en que gira, y de ahí dos elevaciones de agua cada veinticuatro horas.

«The convulsions that occurred were so immense as to present the appearance of utter destruction, and it would have seemed that the materials of the whole earth had experienced one universal clash in an instant of time. And it was by these paroxysms, which were altogether indescribable, that the crust of the earth was broken, and inconceivable masses of stone and molten mineral substances, together with the remains of organic beings previously upon the surface, were thrown to an immense height» — describe los paroxismos que rompen la costra terrestre y arrojan a inmensa altura masas de piedra, mineral fundido y restos de seres orgánicos.

«Mountains that were then thrown from the interior, have since been named by allegorical terms, each of which has a signification that will hereafter be explained» — y deja anunciado que los nombres de esas montañas son términos alegóricos con una significación que explicará después.

«also the Andes of South America, which yet answer as vents to relieve the internal heat abounding in the liquid, fiery mass, which still constitutes several thousand miles of the earth» — cierra la lista de cordilleras con los Andes, a los que adjudica todavía la función de respiraderos del calor interno de la masa ígnea; el tramo se corta antes del genitivo.

«Thus the world and all things therein contained became essentially changed; and then was the commencement of a new Era. And these occurrences established those divisions and features of the earth that have not as yet become materially changed» — y fecha ahí el comienzo de una Era nueva, con las divisiones y los rasgos de la tierra que dice no haber cambiado materialmente desde entonces.

«The whole mass was in a state of igneous fluidity, and was of inconceivable magnitude. It contained heat of an intensity far exceeding any that is known to the inhabitants of the earth. It was an immense liquid sphere, which was agitated from the centre to the surface with indescribable undulations, such as would naturally occur in so great a mass of uncondensed and molten lava» — describe la masa primitiva como una esfera líquida inmensa agitada del centro a la superficie, con un calor que excede cuanto conocen los habitantes de la tierra.

«This, then, is the period, after the lapse of incalculable ages, when dry land became visible. And after the inconceivable movements in the earth, the water, and the atmosphere, the equilibrium was re-established, and all was again rendered calm and quiet» — el § 43 fecha la aparición de la tierra firme y el restablecimiento del equilibrio tras movimientos inconcebibles de tierra, agua y atmósfera.

«Yet carbon was existing to a great extent, while oxygen was almost entirely undeveloped, and nitrogen formed a great portion of the air, neutralizing the action of the other elements. For had it not been that the tendencies, either of carbon or of oxygen, had been counteracted by an associated element, all things would have instantly become inflamed, and would have been dissolved with great rapidity» — Davis explica por qué el nitrógeno era necesario: sin un elemento asociado que contrarrestara las tendencias del carbono o del oxígeno, todas las cosas se habrían inflamado al instante.

«And this is the era when Motion transcends Life and becomes Sensation, — and when forms transcend plants and become substantial species of animals» — la fórmula con que nombra el tercer peldaño de su escala: es la era en que el Movimiento trasciende la Vida y se vuelve Sensación, y las formas trascienden las plantas y se vuelven especies sustanciales de animales.

«The opinions of geologists are in some particulars very dissimilar and very incorrect. But geologists are nevertheless worthy of the approbation of the world for endeavoring to unfold truths that might lead to a proper comprehension of the origin of the earth» — Davis mide su distancia con los geólogos sin romper con ellos: dice que sus opiniones son en algunos particulares muy dispares e incorrectas, y aun así dignas de la aprobación del mundo.

«And I do not therefore feel impressed to contradict any of their theories or propositions, but merely to state the truth, in order that that which they have not discovered may be correctly inferred from the evidences presented in this course of generalization, the basis of which they will not dispute» — y declara su propio método frente al de ellos: no se siente impresionado para contradecir sus teorías, sino para enunciar la verdad, de modo que lo no descubierto se infiera de las evidencias de esta generalización.

«But I am distinctly impressed that Sensation did not before this period become an unfolded principle of the original law. And as the earth has now assumed established divisions, and as the water and atmosphere have ascended to a higher state of refinement, this is the epoch when types were ushered into being, which ascend undisturbed to the organization of mankind» — fija el umbral en primera persona: dice estar distintamente impresionado de que la Sensación no fue antes de este periodo un principio desplegado, y sitúa aquí los tipos que ascienden sin interrupción hasta la organización del género humano.

«the inconceivable periods of time that the world with all the forms it had developed, had existed before this era, constituted one unimaginable night or “evening,”—the unfolding of which manifests new beauties, even the “morning” of a new existence. Therefore “the evening AND THE MORNING WERE THE FIRST DAY» — Davis lee el primer día del Génesis como una noche inimaginable seguida de una mañana: es la primera vez que el volumen encaja su historia geológica en la fórmula bíblica; la frase abre en la plana anterior y el tramo arranca tras el salto.

«Before this period, the earth was apparently “without form, and void, and darkness was upon the face of the deep for the encompassing robe had not been illuminated by the degree of light which now dispersed the utter darkness» — y sigue con la fórmula del sin forma y vacío, que traduce a un cambio de la atmósfera, más refinada y por eso más susceptible a la acción de los rayos del sol.

«Dry land now appears. The earth is divided into two great continents, and the rivers, lakes, seas, and oceans, commence their ceaseless operations, performing the work of decomposition and sedimentary segregation» — sitúa en este punto la división de la tierra en dos grandes continentes y el arranque de la obra incesante de ríos, lagos, mares y océanos.

«All the evidences which geologists and naturalists have brought forward as proving the exact conditions and circumstances under which the coal formation was produced, do not in reality convey a correct idea of the causes that produced these great carbonaceous deposites» — niega que las evidencias reunidas por geólogos y naturalistas den idea correcta de las causas que produjeron los grandes depósitos carbonáceos.

«In those places, dry land became visible; the result of which was an active gelatinous development, occurring from the assimilation of light and heat with the previously decomposed vegetable substances, and which still possessed the principle of vitality» — describe el desarrollo gelatinoso que sigue a la aparición de tierra seca, por asimilación de luz y calor con las sustancias vegetales ya descompuestas que conservaban el principio de vitalidad.

«Therefore vegetable formations became very thickly disseminated upon the portions of land that were thus raised from the depths of the sea. Immense masses were thus formed, and trees towered to a great height, the species of which are now entirely extinct» — el § 44 abre el carbón: masas vegetales inmensas y árboles de gran altura cuyas especies dice enteramente extintas.

«Their food therefore was carbon; their soil, the progressed, gelatinous, vegetable decompositions of the primitive ages. Hence, when these masses were thus decayed and condensed, and finally transformed by the action of elements, they constituted the carboniferous, or coal formations» — la fórmula con que explica el carbón: aquellas plantas comían carbono y su suelo eran las descomposiciones vegetales gelatinosas de las edades primitivas.

«Thus was the coal formation consummated; and thus were its intermediate strata required and adapted—designed—as a basis upon which other strata of coal might be deposited and perfected» — Davis adjudica a los estratos intermedios una función de diseño: ser la base sobre la que otros estratos de carbón pudieran depositarse y perfeccionarse.

«Coal, therefore, is considered the first of the secondary formations. And here I would remark that it is impossible for me to accede to all the classifications made by geologists in either of the kingdoms; but so far as classes and species have been designated by appropriate terms, it is proper that the nomenclature should be preserved, instead of substituting in its place terms and phraseology not altogether familiar to the scientific reader» — y declara su regla de nomenclatura: no puede acceder a todas las clasificaciones de los geólogos, pero conserva los términos que estos ya fijaron en vez de sustituirlos por otros ajenos al lector científico.

«The chain can not be broken as extending from the primary formation to the coal era; from the first to the ultimate element that surrounded the earth, and from the first organization possessing Life, to the full development of the principle of Sensation. For the very moment the existence of the first is established, that very moment, according to the eternal law of progressive development, the future unfolding of the latter is rendered certain» — la cadena que no se rompe, de la formación primaria a la era del carbón y de la primera organización con Vida al pleno despliegue de la Sensación: establecido lo primero, queda cierto lo segundo por la ley eterna del desarrollo progresivo.

«It is not proper that anything should be considered sacred and holy, merely because we have lost the period of its origin among the revolutions of innumerable ages. Nor should an enthusiastic veneration be cherished for the idea of the creation of anything, when in reality the term “creation” has no signification, inasmuch as the origin of every form, principle, and substance, in being, is owing to some prior cause» — el § 45 niega a la palabra creación toda significación, porque el origen de cada forma, principio y sustancia se debe a alguna causa anterior, y niega que algo sea sagrado por haberse perdido la fecha de su origen.

«Array no arguments, therefore, against the truthful and magnificent doctrine of progressive development. For if this is overthrown, that very moment all laws and principles become annihilated, and Cause and Effect can no longer be considered as the agents of breathing into being the grand and sublime manifestations that beautify the bosom of a tender and caressing Nature» — y pide que no se alegue nada contra la doctrina del desarrollo progresivo, porque con ella caerían todas las leyes y la Causa y el Efecto dejarían de ser los agentes de cuanto hermosea el seno de la Naturaleza.

«Yet if there should be any inclination to dispute the foregoing classifications of the geological and organic developments, let the objection not be arrayed against isolated and detached phrases, sentences, or propositions; but let the attack be at the basis—the foundation on which rests all that has been and shall be said concerning those indestructible truths which are greater than man can comprehend or duly appreciate» — la regla que impone a quien quiera objetarle: que no ataque frases ni proposiciones sueltas, sino la base sobre la que descansa todo lo dicho.

«During the process of this and previous formations, various metallic substances, whose distinct characteristics designate them as minerals, became deposited in various parts where constant segregation was taking place. The first of these is tin. This lies nearer the primary than most of the others. Subsequent to this, lead, zinc, and copper, were developed» — ordena los metales por su posición en los estratos: el estaño primero, más cerca de lo primario, y después plomo, zinc y cobre.

«It has been supposed by chemists that the atmosphere is composed of properly elementary substances. This is true; but gaseous elements could only have originated from the minerals of the earth. They are therefore ascended molecules, which may be considered as the perfection of mineral bodies like unto those which still remain concealed in the crust of the earth» — enmienda de dónde vienen los gases: sostiene que los elementos gaseosos solo pudieron originarse de los minerales de la tierra y son moléculas ascendidas, perfección de los cuerpos minerales que siguen ocultos en la corteza.

«And it is a truth too conspicuous to be misconceived, that, from the earliest vegetable forms to the present era, there is a general and progressive ascension of each species to higher and corresponding forms» — enuncia la ascensión general y progresiva de cada especie vegetal a formas más altas y correspondientes, desde las primeras formas hasta la era presente.

«The vegetable productions of this period varied from the moss to the stupendous coniferae-trees that then existed very extensively in marshes, and on land where warmth and moisture constantly existed. And the sigillaria and monocotiledons then existed and flourished very extensively» — y describe la flora de la era del carbón, del musgo a las coníferas estupendas de marismas y tierras húmedas, con la sigillaria y los monocotiledones.

«The seas were extensively inhabited by species of scorpion and saurian fishes, slightly exemplified in the sturgeon now existing, which in its embryonic state has no vertebral portions, but rather a gelatinous cord that assumes subsequently the form of vertebrae» — describe los peces saurios de esos mares por su estado embrionario, sin porciones vertebrales y con un cordón gelatinoso que después toma forma de vértebras.

«The fishes being progressed from those previously formed, whose structure was wholly cellular, possessed both the cellular and vascular tissues,—which established imperfect serous and mucous surfaces, upon which sensation must inevitably exist» — el § 46 hace nacer la sensación de un hecho anatómico: los peces progresados poseen tejido celular y vascular, y de ahí superficies serosas y mucosas sobre las que la sensación debe existir inevitablemente.

«These developed instinct, or living desire. This is the first principle that corresponds to thought» — y pone al instinto, o deseo viviente, como el primer principio que corresponde al pensamiento.

«So likewise with the land plants : the cellular were flowerless, consisting of mosses, ferns, fungi, and others, which corresponded to the one-membrane and radiating nature of the first animal species. And as these plants gradually became unfolded, developing the exogenous form, they brought forth beautiful flowers—an indication corresponding to that of Sensation, and pointing to the perfected condition of the vegetating principle» — traza la correspondencia entre los dos reinos: las plantas sin flor corresponden a las primeras especies animales de una membrana, y la flor de las exógenas corresponde a la Sensación.

«Thus the plants revealed Life, and the fishes Sensation; but inasmuch as their forms were yet imperfect, so likewise were their endowments. But the chain is unbroken between the previous and present existing species, in each kingdom» — la fórmula que reparte los dos principios entre los reinos y sostiene que la cadena no se rompe entre las especies previas y las presentes.

«developments are exceedingly dissimilar in form, essence, and quality, as the conditions change, both as regards the temperature of the climate, the location, and the influences of incidental causes. Thus dissimilar forms were presented, which it is almost impossible to arrange in perfect order, because the time and circumstances are beyond natural calculation» — advierte que las producciones de la Naturaleza difieren mucho según cambien el clima, la localidad y las causas incidentales, de modo que es casi imposible ordenarlas perfectamente.

«For, as was established in the key, “all things are constantly assuming forms; and these are in accordance with the existing exciting causes» — Davis se cita a sí mismo y remite a la PARTE I: todas las cosas asumen formas de continuo y estas concuerdan con las causas excitantes existentes.

«the existence of the species of fishes that were in being during the carboniferous era, especially so far as his knowledge extends into the reality of these creations, from his observations upon the vestiges still indicating the classes and species then inhabiting the waters. The botanist can arrange in an order of general development, the original vegetable productions, up to the classes and species of the present era; and geologists are acquainted with the order of formation of which I speak» — apela al ictiólogo, al botánico y al geólogo como testigos de su propia descripción, cada uno en lo que su ciencia alcanza; la frase abre en la plana anterior y el tramo arranca tras el salto.

«Many parts of the dry land were overshadowed by beautiful palms, ferns, and sigillarias; and the atmosphere, which was active in generating rain, contributed greatly to their luxuriance of growth. And the mountains that now were in some parts yielding mosses and other species of vegetation, gave Nature a very splendid and beautiful appearance—more so in some localities than exists at this present age on the earth» — pinta el paisaje de la era del carbón, con palmas, helechos y sigillarias, y lo dice más espléndido en algunas localidades que el de la edad presente; el tramo se corta antes del genitivo.

«The face of the earth at this time would have appeared to the eye of man, as if Nature were clothed in a sombre mantle, and had sunk into a death-like sleep. No busy insects would have diverted the mind with their musical hum; no birds were flitting through the air, or perching upon the branches» — y el paisaje del cierre de esa era, que describe como un manto sombrío y un sueño de muerte, sin insectos que zumben ni aves que crucen el aire.

«Darkness was again upon the face of the deep; and the waters were moved with ceaseless agitation— with frightful and uncontrolled waves that almost lashed the mountain-tops» — vuelve a la fórmula bíblica de las tinieblas sobre la faz del abismo para nombrar la agitación de las aguas antes de la convulsión.

«The result was an expansion of interior particles that shook the earth in some parts to its very centre, upheaving the rocks primarily formed, together with trap, slate, shale, sandstone, and also various strata of the carboniferous formation. These were turned and twisted from their original beds into perpendicular and inclined positions, several miles of the previously-formed strata being broken and contorted into every conceivable shape» — describe el levantamiento que tuerce varios kilómetros de estratos ya formados hasta posiciones perpendiculares e inclinadas.

«Chains of mountains in Asia, in Scotland, and Switzerland, became now permanently established. Among those in Asia was Mount Ararat, which before could only be seen a little above the surface of the water» — y nombra entre las cordilleras establecidas entonces el monte Ararat, que antes apenas asomaba sobre la superficie del agua.

«It is well known that the limestone contains a great amount of carbon; and this reveals its affinity for the carboniferous formation» — lee en el carbono de la caliza la afinidad de esta con la formación carbonífera.

«And it is by the process of combination and recombination alone that all forms, from the angular to the circular, during all their processes of crystallization, constantly manifest the same general law of progressive ascension, insomuch that new and higher forms and compositions are constantly being produced, though elements and essential qualities remain unchanged» — la ley de ascensión progresiva aplicada a la química: solo por combinación y recombinación se producen formas y composiciones nuevas y más altas, aunque los elementos y las cualidades esenciales queden sin cambio.

«Nature was revived from a long sleep. New light and new beauties were now to be breathed into existence» — la frase con que abre la era siguiente; el tramo se corta antes de la llamada de nota que el escriba pone sobre el firmamento.

«Therefore the expression is rendered clear and forcible, that “the evening and the morning were the second day» — y cierra la era con la segunda fórmula del Génesis, que dice ahora clara y contundente.

«By way of note the clairvoyant here remarked, that although the word shemayim (heaven), called “firmament” in Genesis i. 8, was in the plural number, its meaning was simply the atmosphere; and that such was the only signification of the words “heaven” and “firmament,” as occurring in the primitive history of the creation» — Fishbough consigna en nota una glosa filológica que el clarividente pidió: que shemayim, vertido firmamento en Génesis i. 8 y en plural, significaba sencillamente la atmósfera, y que esa era la única significación de cielo y firmamento en la historia primitiva de la creación.

«So far as the researches of geologists have been successful in exploring the fossil remains of this age, they give a general conception of the real formations, though these were far more extensive than discoveries yet made have indicated» — concede a los geólogos una concepción general de las formaciones reales y les niega la extensión: dice que estas fueron mucho mayores de lo que sus descubrimientos indican.

«The plants were neither very thrifty nor abundant. Few flowers were existing; for the classes of plants that thrived most during this era were the more substantial land and marine plants, and there were not so many of the flowering and tender plants that were existing in such abundance during the last formation. The only progress, therefore, which we see in the vegetable kingdom, consists in the development of a more substantial class, which the pine, oak, birch, and maple now existing, represent» — mide el progreso vegetal de esta era en una sola cosa, el desarrollo de una clase más sustancial, la que representan hoy el pino, el roble, el abedul y el arce.

«But the wonder of geologists has been increased by the discovery of tracks, apparently those of immense lizards and birds, and also of the tortoise» — consigna el asombro de los geólogos ante las huellas halladas, al parecer de lagartos y aves inmensos y de la tortuga.

«It must not be supposed that the order of progression was interfered with by a sudden transition of any class or species to another; for this is unlike any principle or phenomenon in Nature» — niega la transición súbita de una clase o especie a otra, que dice ajena a todo principio o fenómeno de la Naturaleza.

«Geologists have classified the species that have been discovered, but have not succeeded in discovering the species intermediate between one class and another, or any cause why new forms should now be created» — señala el hueco que deja la geología: ha clasificado las especies pero no ha hallado las intermedias entre una clase y otra ni causa alguna de que se creen formas nuevas.

«A proper knowledge of the kind of animals existing during this period, depends upon a knowledge of the density of the atmosphere. As its density at the present time has been correctly ascertained, at least so far as the experiments (which have been limited) have been adequate to decide, I speak comparatively of the pressure of the air upon forms and things existing during the process of the new red sandstone formation» — el § 48 hace depender el conocimiento de los animales de una sola medida, la densidad de la atmósfera, y compara la de entonces con la que los experimentos de su tiempo han determinado.

«Therefore, from this extreme density can be inferred the order and habits of the land animals» — y de esa densidad extrema infiere el orden y los hábitos de los animales terrestres.

«The ichthyosaurus is among the first forms of this period that have attracted attention, especially as its spinal column represents the ossification of a previous gelatinous substance, insomuch that it is not altogether vertebrated, only near the neck and extremity; the centre of the back being entirely ossified» — describe el ictiosaurio por su columna, que lee como osificación de una sustancia gelatinosa anterior y por eso no del todo vertebrada.

«The following order is represented in the megalosaurus. This animal (for it should be termed such) is very different in form and disposition from the lower orders. For an account of the remains of this animal, whereby the following description may be rendered probable, I would refer to the investigations of geologists, especially as these afford the only evidence that the mind can now receive concerning it. This represents the fully vertebrated animal» — sitúa al megalosaurio como el animal plenamente vertebrado y remite para sus restos a las investigaciones de los geólogos, únicas evidencias que dice disponibles.

«The highest type of the latter class is termed the Iguanodon,— whose enormous organization has been the cause of much wonder and speculation. But inasmuch as inference can not at all times be correct, the nature and disposition of the Iguanodon have not as yet been properly understood. Its class was the highest on earth during the deposition of the new red sandstone; and it was superior to all others in size and power» — pone al iguanodonte como el tipo más alto de la era del nuevo gres rojo y consigna que su naturaleza y disposición no se han entendido todavía.

«Motion was first existing: and as forms assumed a proper state, Life became visible, until at the close of the last era, Sensation became imperfectly developed. And in this period, Life and Sensation have unfolded new principles, new forms, and new dispositions» — resume la escala hasta aquí: primero el Movimiento, luego la Vida, al cierre de la era anterior la Sensación imperfecta, y en esta, Vida y Sensación desplegando principios, formas y disposiciones nuevas.

«Above the class of lizard-like forms, there is a description of flying ornithosaurus (ptero-dactyle). These have two legs, with very wide-spread and complex feet, and a large and rather low body; and they were very ferocious» — describe el ornitosaurio volador, al que nombra también pterodáctilo, con dos patas de pies anchos y complejos y un cuerpo grande y bajo.

«The whole animal creation at this period properly corresponds to two distinct classes—the lizard-turtle, and the turtle-bird; neither of which is, to any extent, visible to us in the animal creation of the •present period. The lower classes were exceedingly carnivorous, and the higher were herbivorous» — reduce la creación animal de esta era a dos clases, el lagarto-tortuga y la tortuga-ave, y reparte entre ellas lo carnívoro y lo herbívoro.

«The atmosphere with its enormous density prohibited the formation of light bone, active muscle, and tender nerve, and prevented entirely such chemical combinations of the solids as were necessary to render them light and active» — adjudica a la densidad de la atmósfera la anatomía pesada de esos animales, porque prohibía el hueso ligero, el músculo activo y el nervio tierno.

«Thus every morning becomes an evening. Thus every beauty becomes a type of some ultimate and more beautiful productions. Thus life, and beauty, and youthfulness, become age, repose, and death» — la fórmula con que cierra cada una de sus jornadas: toda mañana se vuelve tarde, toda belleza tipo de otra más bella, y la vida y la juventud, edad, reposo y muerte.

«Such were immense coral reefs, extending from twenty to sixty miles, and being from three to eight miles in thickness. These vast accumulations were formed by animals so minute that two hundred of them could dwell within a drop of water» — la cifra con que ilustra la ley de que las partes componen el Todo: arrecifes de coral de veinte a sesenta millas formados por animales tan diminutos que doscientos cabrían en una gota de agua.

«All Nature now assumed a different aspect. Plants and animals that had previously existed upon the earth, were scarcely visible : for during the long evening of the previous day, they gradually diminished and sunk into repose» — el § 50 abre la jornada siguiente con plantas y animales anteriores ya apenas visibles, hundidos en reposo durante la larga tarde del día previo.

«And the light that shone before, now became darkness; for the sun emitted much more light: and the air, and water, and earth, were so changed as to cause all things to assume an appearance of youthfulness» — fecha aquí la entrada de más luz solar, con la atmósfera ya apta para admitirla, y dice que aire, agua y tierra cambiaron hasta dar a todo un aire de juventud.

«it is impossible not to admire the forcible passage in the primitive history of the earth, which declares, with the exclusion of all particulars, and with the comprehension of all generals, that “the evening and the morning were the third day» — y cierra con la tercera fórmula del Génesis, que elogia por excluir todo particular y comprender todo lo general; la frase abre en la plana anterior y el tramo arranca tras el salto.

«No stratification has attracted so much attention among geologists as this. For it represents a formation as resulting from the decomposition of previously-existing plants, animals, and molluscs, together with the deposition of solutions of existing substances upon the land and in the water; and the whole renders this stratification altogether mysterious and incomprehensible» — consigna la oolita como la estratificación que más atención ha atraído entre los geólogos y como la que ha quedado del todo misteriosa e incomprensible.

«The destruction of the living species at the close of each day, is no more than the deposition of a living germ by whose gestation far more magnificent productions are brought forth» — la lectura que hace de las extinciones: la destrucción de las especies al cierre de cada jornada no es más que el depósito de un germen viviente por cuya gestación se producen obras más magníficas.

«For in the knowledge of these things consists the solution of the great mystery of universal death and universal resurrection, which the whole earth shows to have occurred at different epochs preceding the present time» — y nombra lo que esas extinciones resuelven: el gran misterio de la muerte universal y la resurrección universal que la tierra entera muestra haber ocurrido en épocas distintas.

«The plants that now became visible were of the classes of the sigillaria and coniferae, and also of the highest class of ferns, and of the lowest of Iceland moss; and the vegetable system was united with one chain of successive ascension from the lowest type of the sea-plant to the highest and most perfect, consisting of the coniferae, oak, and birch, such as are now known» — el § 51 une el sistema vegetal en una sola cadena de ascensión sucesiva, del tipo más bajo de planta marina a las coníferas, el roble y el abedul de hoy.

«And the earth also, by its living energies, yielded spontaneously new forms in the animal creation, from the lowest type of the mollusc, to the imperfect forms of the marsupial animals — which latter were altogether differently constituted and organized from any animal that had existed before that period» — y hace brotar espontáneamente de las energías vivientes de la tierra las formas nuevas, hasta los marsupiales, que dice constituidos de manera enteramente distinta de cuanto existía antes.

«gelatinous utero-gestation. The oviparous types, including the bird, fish, and reptile, in which also many subdivisions of the saurians might properly be included, were very different as respects their powers and processes of reproduction, insomuch that their progeny were occasionally rendered dissimilar to themselves, partaking both of their own nature and of that of the higher saurians, according to the conditions under which the reproduction was accomplished» — separa el tipo ovíparo del que primero despliega la gestación uterina gelatinosa, y adjudica a aquel una progenie ocasionalmente disímil de sí misma según las condiciones; la frase abre en la plana anterior y el tramo arranca tras el salto.

«There are now existing upon the earth, from the fertility of the calcareous composition of the oolite, three distinct classes of forms in the vegetable kingdom. These comprehend the classes of the previous formation, including the lower order of the fucoides, and the endogenous and exogenous plants, one of which receives substances from the inward, and the other upon the outward» — censa las tres clases vegetales que adjudica a la fertilidad de la oolita, con las endógenas y las exógenas separadas por dónde reciben las sustancias.

«Coal, however, was not formed (except by incidental circumstances) after the consummation of the general carboniferous era» — niega que se formara carbón, salvo por circunstancias incidentales, después de consumada la era carbonífera general, y con eso objeta la lectura que los geólogos hacían de los lechos de la oolita bajo un estrato de carbón.

«Therefore the latter contains in substance the germ of higher existences; and the deposition of previous plants and animals, whose germinating tendency was assisted by the congenial existing elements, insured the unfolding of new forms displaying youth and beauty» — hace de la oolita el germen de existencias más altas, porque en ella entraron por afinidad química los restos de todo lo orgánico disuelto en el cambio anterior.

«The inquiry in reference to the processes by which the change of form occurred which established the marsupial mammifers, is very difficult to answer so that a distinct evidence may be manifest from facts observed» — Davis declara difícil de contestar con evidencia de hechos observados la pregunta por el proceso que estableció a los mamíferos marsupiales.

«The first represents the rudimental process by which the deposited ultimate of the body unites with particles of like affinity and assumes the globular form. And by constant activity of the portions surrounding the globule, an incrustation or shell is formed, the whole constituting an egg» — describe el proceso rudimental del huevo, con el ultimado del cuerpo uniéndose a partículas de afinidad semejante hasta tomar forma globular y cubrirse de una incrustación.

«But their character was very different, and their organization much more gross; but the conditions which surrounded them were more favorable to the unfolding of the higher orders, than those of any previous age» — compara los marsupiales fósiles con los de hoy y dice más groseras su organización y más favorables las condiciones que los rodeaban para desplegar órdenes superiores.

«Therefore the marsupial animals only possessed the three principles, Motion, Life, and Sensation, in a more perfect state than any in which they had before existed» — les niega principio nuevo alguno: solo tenían los tres, Movimiento, Vida y Sensación, en estado más perfecto que antes.

«Transmutation, however, is a constant manifestation in Nature; and nothing exists but what involves the principle of ascension and progression» — sostiene la transmutación como manifestación constante de la Naturaleza, contra la conclusión de que cada clase resulte de un poder creador inmediato.

«The plants require for their production a proper condition of the earth, and of the existing elements; and without these they could not exist. The animals require the plants, and the highest of the latter require the lower species» — encadena los requisitos de cada reino: las plantas necesitan una condición propia de la tierra y de los elementos, los animales necesitan las plantas, y los más altos de estos, las especies inferiores.

«Therefore, as will soon be shown, the whole class of animals which the secondary formation presents, ascends to the first type wherein we may recognise the undeveloped principles composing the physical and mental constitution of mankind» — anuncia adónde va la serie: la clase entera de animales de la formación secundaria asciende al primer tipo en que se reconocen los principios no desplegados de la constitución física y mental del género humano.

«I am impressed that the orders, series, and degrees, of animals that existed during the oolite, cretaceous, and tertiary eras, are very different from, and of a higher nature than, those designated by geologists» — el § 53 abre en primera persona con una discrepancia declarada: dice estar impresionado de que los órdenes de las eras oolítica, cretácea y terciaria son de naturaleza más alta que los designados por los geólogos.

«Of a connecting link and species of this, the steptospondylis is an example—this having the nature and habits both of the carnivorous and herbivorous, representing slightly those of the water-bird. This animal has been discovered in the strata of the miocene, and has been supposed to be a sauridon, related to the monitor and iguana» — nombra al esteptospóndilo como eslabón de esa clase, con hábitos a la vez carnívoros y herbívoros y algo del ave acuática.

«The whole animal kingdom, then, at this period, is divided into three degrees : the saurian, the tortoise, and the mammalia—the latter comprising the rodentia, the ruminantia, and the digitigrade» — reparte el reino animal de esta era en tres grados, el saurio, la tortuga y los mamíferos, y estos en roedores, rumiantes y digitígrados.

«In the higher class of this period, therefore, we may consider that Sensation has become an established law, this not being so perfectly unfolded in the constitution of the lower animals, such as existed before this period» — fija aquí la Sensación como ley establecida, no desplegada con esa perfección en la constitución de los animales anteriores.

«It has been supposed also that the cretaceous formation was the result of the solutions and detritus contained in the sea, and of the motions of the latter whereby deposition occurred. It is evident that this formation could not have thus been accomplished; for it is well ascertained that all the solutions from which it is supposed to have been formed existed many ages previous to this era» — objeta la explicación recibida de la formación cretácea por las soluciones y el detrito del mar, porque esas mismas soluciones existían muchas edades antes de esta era.

«The substance of lime transformed into corals by the infusoria, and re-decomposed, formed, by condensation, the beds of chalk» — y da su propia cadena para la creta: cal transformada en corales por los infusorios, vuelta a descomponer y condensada.

«The weight of the water and atmosphere determines in part the strength and character of the two living kingdoms. Therefore the gigantic saurian tribes, that inhabited the earth in previous ages, corresponded to the enormous density of the existing fluid and gaseous elements» — vuelve a la regla que gobierna todo el tramo: el peso del agua y de la atmósfera determina en parte la fuerza y el carácter de los dos reinos vivientes, y de ahí las tribus saurias gigantescas.

«But this would not be the case if the mind could comprehend the eternal truth that all higher things are contained in the lowest, undeveloped. And the lowest being the germ, all others will, if subjected to proper conditions, ascend through all the progressive forms until it becomes a perfected compound of the whole previously-existing mass» — la fórmula del germen con que salva la distancia entre lo más bajo y lo más alto: todo lo superior está contenido sin desplegar en lo inferior, y el germen asciende, en condiciones propias, por todas las formas progresivas.

«I have been particular in this description, because it represents the general process by which all subsequent formations occurred : and also because this formation indicates a decided adaptation to the development of new forms, approaching more nearly that of the human organization» — dice por qué se detuvo en la formación cretácea: porque representa el proceso general de cuantas siguen y porque indica una adaptación decidida a formas nuevas más cercanas a la organización humana.

«species of animals, the types of which are still existing. This period bears a closer relation to the feline tribe, and also is more nearly allied to man than has been supposed by geologists» — adjudica al cretácico no investigado especies cuyos tipos siguen existiendo, con relación más cercana a la tribu felina y al hombre de lo que los geólogos han supuesto; la frase abre en la plana anterior y el tramo arranca tras el salto.

«What is most remarkable as connected with this period is the partial change of temperature, the falling of snow, the formation of large mountains of ice, and generally a light and more congenial atmosphere as encompassing the earth» — y anota lo que le parece más notable del terciario: el cambio parcial de temperatura, la caída de nieve, las grandes montañas de hielo y una atmósfera más ligera y congenial.

«proved in the key that particulars are not to be depended upon as leading to general truths in respect to the laws, principles, and developments, of the Universe» — remite otra vez a la PARTE I para desautorizar el argumento por particulares frente a las verdades generales del Universo; la frase abre en la plana anterior y el tramo arranca tras el salto.

«And from this it is evident that Nature had undergone, during the lapse of innumerable ages, another day of formation; and the period had arrived concerning which it is said, “The greater light ruled the day, and the lesser the night» — Davis encaja la cuarta jornada del Génesis en su historia geológica: la atmósfera admite más calor y más luz y con eso llega el periodo de la lumbrera mayor y la menor.

«Therefore the expression in a previous historical account given of this consummation is substantially verified, that “the evening and the morning were the fourth day» — y cierra la jornada con la fórmula bíblica, que dice verificada en sustancia por el cambio de la Naturaleza.

«It is now presented to the understanding that the commencement of the tertiary period, with its productions, is the morn of a new day of the earth’s creations. It is not necessary to describe minutely the process by which the tertiary formation was produced; for it has been discovered that it consists of deposites of lime, shale, clayey lime, marl, and sand, with the solutions then existing in the sea. The constant aggregation of these various substances produced the lower and intermediate strata contained in the eocene and miocene deposites; after which, by similar means, the pliocene with its upper division was formed» — el § 55 abre el terciario y da su composición por depósitos de cal, esquisto, marga y arena, con el eoceno y el mioceno abajo y el plioceno encima.

«The enormous mountains of ice that were formed by the change of seasons and of the general temperature of the climate, became, as was before said, frequently reduced to their fluid state. And at every season in which this phenomenon occurred, great tides were also produced, whereby the ice, and various substances that were imbedded in it, were carried to various parts of the earth» — describe el deshielo periódico de las montañas de hielo y las grandes mareas que arrastraban el hielo y cuanto llevaba incrustado a distintas partes de la tierra.

«It must be understood that the oceans had not exactly the same positions, nor were they so much contracted, as they now are. And it must have been this agitation, created by the powerful winds and consequent storms that occurred during this and preceding periods, that produced the incisions which are visible on the rocks and mountains and other portions that now are dry land, but which then were partially or wholly covered by the waters» — y adjudica a esas agitaciones las incisiones visibles en rocas y montañas que hoy son tierra seca y entonces estaban cubiertas por las aguas.

«A species of tree, like that known as the rock-oak, was most extensively developed in the forests of the tertiary period — possessing such qualities that either decomposition or petrifaction generally followed their decline. For we have no indications of the existence of trees of this class except the petrified portions that still remain in the upper strata of the pliocene» — consigna que del árbol más extendido en los bosques del terciario solo quedan las porciones petrificadas de los estratos superiores del plioceno.

«It has been supposed by geologists that this period presents absolutely the first distinction between the lower orders and the ruminantia and quadrupeds. These last classes, together with the edentata, form the distinctive features of the animal kingdom at this period» — recoge la opinión de los geólogos de que aquí aparece la primera distinción entre los órdenes bajos y los rumiantes y cuadrúpedos, que con los desdentados dan el rasgo distintivo del reino animal terciario.

«Therefore in this day the quadrumana stands as the highest type and the most perfect form of the whole creation. And it is still more remarkable that the highest of this order is very slightly represented by the present monkey» — pone a los cuadrumanos como el tipo más alto de esa jornada y dice que el más alto de ese orden apenas está representado por el mono de hoy.

«Geologists have no means to arrive at an absolute knowledge of the form, order, and character, of this class. For it was many thousand years before the primitive history of man was written that this class represented the highest order of Nature’s productions; and they subsequently passed into new forms, the old type becoming entirely extinct» — y les niega a los geólogos todo medio de conocer esa clase, porque pasó a formas nuevas muchos miles de años antes de que se escribiera la historia primitiva del hombre.

«And it is a fact altogether overlooked in the researches of meteorologists, that the condition of the higher degrees of the imponderable elements determines entirely the temperature of the atmosphere, from its minimum to its maximum degree of heat or cold» — señala lo que dice pasado por alto por los meteorólogos: que la condición de los grados más altos de los elementos imponderables determina por entero la temperatura de la atmósfera.

«For let it be properly impressed that the heat attracted the particles of water which constantly ascended and became atmosphere of a dense character; and when these particles were condensed they formed rain, which again descended» — da su explicación de la lluvia por ascensión y condensación de las partículas de agua atraídas por el calor.

«Clouds are the result of the consociation of the particles of atmosphere of equal density; and these becoming entirely too dense to continue in the atmosphere, descend to associate with their former element. Such is the cause of the common phenomenon of rain; and this never would occur if the temperature were always equal, and the equilibrium of the air remained at all times undisturbed» — define la nube como consociación de partículas de atmósfera de igual densidad, y niega que hubiera lluvia si la temperatura fuera siempre igual y el equilibrio del aire nunca se perturbara.

«In the portions of the earth that have been searched, it is found that the calcareous fossils prevail more in and toward the tropical than in the more northern portions of the earth» — consigna que los fósiles calcáreos prevalecen más hacia lo tropical que hacia el norte en las porciones exploradas de la tierra.

«And it has been discovered (or rather inferred) that the frosts which occurred during the sandstone period took place during the entire absence of the birds that inhabited parts of the western continent. Their tracks are discovered on divisions of the strata where no frost-marks are visible; which implies that they migrated at the change of the seasons» — y lee en las huellas de aves sobre estratos sin marcas de helada una migración estacional, con fósiles que no aparecen donde sí aparecen las huellas.

«as the location of the magnetic pole, evolving incessantly attractive, electric fluid, which determines the direction of the magnetic needle» — el § 57 arma su teoría del magnetismo terrestre: el norte como polo magnético que desprende fluido eléctrico, y hacia el ecuador las partículas venidas del sol produciendo por sublimación el medio magnético, cuyo flujo hacia el norte orienta la aguja; la frase abre en la plana anterior y el tramo arranca tras el salto.

«And it will be discovered that there are three distinct currents, corresponding to the rays proceeding from the sun. The first of these rays is light without heat: this produces color. The second is light without color or heat: this produces chemical action; and in it the white muriate of silver will be turned instantly black. And all kindred bodies, undergoing like chemical action, are rendered susceptible of the same by this particular ray of light» — reparte la luz solar en tres rayos: uno que da el color, otro que da la acción química y ennegrece al instante el muriato blanco de plata, y un tercero.

«The third ray neither produces color nor chemical action, but produces warmth by causing friction between all particles on which it acts. And this ray of light acts upon all kindred particles, whereby the whole are transmitted to the particles composing the envelope of the earth, and there are suitably digested for the nourishment of the vegetable and animal kingdoms» — y el tercero, que no da color ni acción química sino calor por fricción entre las partículas sobre las que actúa, digeridas luego para nutrir a los dos reinos.

«For color is the reflection of light; and without light, how could we know of color» — la pregunta con que fija el color como reflexión de la luz.

«There are likewise three distinct fluids crossing the earth from the south to the north, and from the north to the south, by a mutual exchange of elements from the poles. There is also an intersecting fluid that crosses each of the others» — describe tres fluidos que cruzan la tierra de polo a polo por intercambio mutuo, y un cuarto que interseca a los otros, el que el libro llama diamagnético.

«These lines revolve from east to west half way round the earth while the sun is passing through one of the signs of the zodiac» — mide la revolución de las líneas de no variación por el paso del sol por un signo del zodiaco; el tramo se corta antes de la llamada de nota, en la que el escriba remite a la precesión de los equinoccios.

«And as the lines approximate to any particular longitude, so the climate of that portion of the earth becomes gradually changed; and in this way some portions formerly characterized by blooming fertility and a congenial atmosphere have been changed to barrenness, and are now concealed from the light of the sun by a mantle of heavy snow and mountains of ice» — y adjudica a esas líneas el cambio de clima que volvió estériles regiones antes fértiles, hoy ocultas bajo nieve y montañas de hielo.

«winters rendered extremely severe by the presence of these lines, formed these large mountains of ice in the polar regions : and the transition of temperature caused, as before stated, the immense and terrific storms, producing great bodies of water, which carried with them the enormous icebergs that crossed the surface of the whole earth in the direction before described» — encadena inviernos severos, montañas de hielo polares y tormentas de transición como causa de los icebergs que cruzaron la superficie de la tierra; la frase abre en la plana anterior y el tramo arranca tras el salto.

«We were informed incidentally by the clairvoyant that these accumulations of ice took place at both poles of the earth» — Fishbough consigna en nota, como dato recibido de paso del clarividente, que esas acumulaciones de hielo ocurrieron en ambos polos.

«Before the commencement of the last, or historical formation, almost all the land plants and animals were entirely destroyed : and this destruction occurred from the general submersion of the whole face of Nature in the watery element» — sitúa antes de la formación histórica la destrucción casi total de plantas y animales terrestres por sumersión general.

«And then there will be a general activity and fecundity of the inhabitants of the sea, and of the creeping things of the earth, these being properly situated to bring forth species after their kind, and to multiply exceedingly» — traduce el mandato bíblico de multiplicarse a una actividad y fecundidad de los habitantes del mar y de las cosas que se arrastran, situadas ya para producir según su especie.

«Therefore the original history of the steps and degrees of creation is incontestably verified: and it would be unjust to use any other form of expression than that “the evening and the morning were the fifth day» — y cierra la quinta jornada diciendo incontestablemente verificada la historia original de los pasos y grados de la creación.

«No history is extant of the commencement of the present period of time: and all the knowledge that is existing in reference to the original species is the result of inferences drawn from the present condition of creation» — el § 58 declara que no hay historia del comienzo del periodo presente y que cuanto se sabe de las especies originales es inferencia desde la condición actual.

«Nature and her laws will appear as one vast chemical laboratory, in which the lowest constituents of the whole composition are constantly being developed and purified» — la imagen con que resume su método: la Naturaleza y sus leyes como un vasto laboratorio químico donde los constituyentes más bajos se desarrollan y purifican sin cesar.

«The first types that are presented upon the face of the earth at the commencement of the sixth day are of an inferior organization, yet the superiors of all previous forms. These contain all the qualities and principles of the previous creations, are representatives of the highest forms of the animal kingdom, and are a significant type of the organization of mankind» — describe los primeros tipos de la sexta jornada como inferiores en organización y aun así superiores a toda forma anterior, y como tipo significativo de la organización del género humano.

«Comparative anatomy has been very useful in satisfying the scientific world that there is a relation existing between all forms in being; but it has almost established in some minds the conclusion that every form and species in either kingdom has a specific origin and an exclusive existence, so much so that it does not represent a higher degree of lower forms, nor run into any of the more perfect degrees of organization» — concede a la anatomía comparada haber mostrado la relación entre todas las formas y le objeta haber afianzado en algunas mentes la conclusión de que cada especie tiene origen específico y existencia exclusiva.

«Anatomy is eminently useful as a basis of induction; but anatomists have considered the invariableness manifested in every anatomical form in being as substantial evidence that they are the specific productions of some power above and independent of that which Nature possesses, and therefore they have disputed the opinion that specific forms have been at any previous time the constituent particles of lower forms in creation» — y nombra la objeción de los anatomistas: que la invariabilidad de cada forma anatómica prueba que son producciones específicas de un poder por encima de la Naturaleza e independiente de ella.

«Thus anatomy is a monumental demonstration of the ultimate perfection of lower particles. And the structure of any organization sustains an inseparable connexion with the first indication of a like arrangement of particles, and with the highest organization in existence» — le devuelve la anatomía como prueba propia: monumento de la perfección última de las partículas inferiores, con toda organización ligada a la primera disposición semejante de partículas.

«it is only by the science of mathematical correspondence that a knowledge can be had of anything in Nature, of any of her motives and living energies or their effects, or of the progressive tendency of all particles in being to higher substances, higher qualities, and more perfect interiors» — pone la ciencia de la correspondencia matemática como única vía de conocer algo de la Naturaleza y de la tendencia progresiva de toda partícula; la frase abre en la plana anterior y el tramo arranca tras el salto.

«And the mind which comprehends no more than that which is visible, understands but very little of Nature, or the principles of being» — y niega conocimiento de la Naturaleza a la mente que no comprende más que lo visible.

«The first day of creation unfolded one of the laws or attributes connected with the great Whole; and that is Power: and this power was manifested in ceaseless Motion» — el § 59 reparte un atributo por jornada y da el primero: el Poder, manifestado en Movimiento incesante.

«The developments of the second day unfolded the attribute of Wisdom. And Goodness was manifested in the arrangement and adaptation of all things on the third day. The peculiar conditions and circumstances existing on the fourth day, and their results, which were “very good,” manifested Wisdom, and also developed Justice and Reciprocation» — y sigue el reparto: Sabiduría en la segunda jornada, Bondad en la tercera, y en la cuarta otra vez Sabiduría con Justicia y Reciprocación.

«Thus a spirit of mercy and forbearance was established among the animated tribes» — adjudica a la quinta jornada el nacimiento de un espíritu de misericordia y tolerancia entre las tribus animadas.

«And this is therefore the highest and most perfect principle unfolded from the original Germ consisting of Power; and such is the attribute of immortal Truth» — y nombra el atributo más alto desplegado del Germen original: la Verdad inmortal, que dice a su vez germen que ascenderá en esferas superiores.

«Therefore that which has been termed “science” is neither knowledge nor understanding; but has a tendency to attract the mind from the beginning principles of Nature, and from all the qualities universally pervading her composition, and to enable it merely to conceive of the shadows or sheathings of truth» — niega a lo que se ha llamado ciencia el nombre de conocimiento o entendimiento, y le adjudica apartar la mente de los principios iniciales de la Naturaleza y dejarla en las sombras o vainas de la verdad.

«Therefore true knowledge consists in a true conception of the stupendous operations of the immortal principles originating in the Fountain of the Omnipotent Mind» — y pone en su lugar el conocimiento verdadero, que define como concepción verdadera de los principios inmortales que se originan en la Fuente de la Mente Omnipotente.

«generally to the classifications made by geologists, but have varied in some important particulars as relating to the general changes of the interior and external elements as occurring at the termination of the different periods» — Davis hace su propio balance frente a la geología: dice haber accedido en general a sus clasificaciones y haberse apartado en los cambios de los elementos interiores y externos al término de cada periodo; la frase abre en la plana anterior y el tramo arranca tras el salto.

«The condition of the earth at the period now under examination is again very different from what it was at any previous period. The many vicissitudes of the seasons were numerous and extreme, rendered so by the influence of the lines of variation and no variation upon the fluid and ethereal elements» — el § 60 adjudica las vicisitudes extremas de las estaciones a la influencia de las líneas de variación y de no variación sobre los elementos fluidos y etéreos.

«The atmosphere had given a great portion of its carbon to the formations of the earth, which resulted in the perfect development of oxygen and nitrogen» — y fecha aquí el desarrollo perfecto del oxígeno y del nitrógeno, tras haber cedido la atmósfera gran parte de su carbono a las formaciones de la tierra.

«It is well here to notice that the particles of atmosphere that are found in the envelope of the earth as it now is, are atoms which have ascended from lower conditions. And the condition of every earthy formation is represented in the atmospheric formation : and it will be observed that each of the earthy strata has an ethereal or atmospheric stratum which is in direct correspondence thereunto. And the atmosphere is composed of as many strata, both as to its general divisions and its subdivisions, as are found in the earth» — la correspondencia que fija entre los dos envoltorios: cada estrato terrestre tiene un estrato etéreo que le corresponde, y la atmósfera se compone de tantos estratos como la corteza; el tramo se corta antes del genitivo.

«Thus at every epoch or day of creation, all things became essentially changed, and adapted to the requirements of the creations of that day. The earth and atmosphere unfolded their interior qualities, and new laws, energies, and circumstances, were the results. And in proportion to the perfection of these conditions and previouslyundeveloped principles, were the vegetable and animal creaations made perfect» — la regla que gobierna las seis jornadas: todo cambia y se adapta a los requerimientos de la creación de esa jornada, y los dos reinos se perfeccionan en proporción a esas condiciones; el troceo imprime creaations por creations; la fuente imprime *previously-undeveloped* con guion a fin de renglón y span() lo une.

«And in this connexion it is well to remark that many species of birds and saurians and other kindred species now existing, although changed in form and organization, occupy the same strata of atmosphere that their lowest types originally occupied upon the earth’s surface; and on principles herein involved, the extinction of many gigantic animals that dwelt in the water and upon the earth during the secondary formation maybe accounted for. For it is evident that if the same conditions were still existing, the same forms would also have an existence» — y explica así las extinciones: si las mismas condiciones siguieran existiendo, las mismas formas también existirían.

«It is known to chemists that water is only a condensation of the same elements that compose a great part of the atmosphere, and which would in reality be very inflammable but that their combined condition makes them unsusceptible. Thus water is but a lower degree of the atmosphere, and the earth is but a lower condition of the water and atmosphere — and the whole is but the imperfection of that of which electricity is the perfection» — la escala que hace bajar de la electricidad a la tierra: el agua como grado inferior de la atmósfera, la tierra como condición inferior del agua y del aire, y el conjunto como imperfección de aquello de lo que la electricidad es la perfección.

«And it is by conceiving of the form, that we know of order; and by order, degrees; and by degrees, correspondences. And from the coating—the external, visible form—the quality and essence may be inferred. For it is by the essence—the interior real reality— that all things assume forms, orders, and degrees, of tangible reality» — la cadena de su método: por la forma el orden, por el orden los grados, por los grados las correspondencias, y por la esencia interior la realidad tangible de todas las cosas.

«Let the mind, then, infer the interior essence and quality by the external and visible form; but let it not judge entirely by the sheath or external of that which is in the interior, undeveloped. But it should rest upon the inward conviction received both in reference to the external and internal of anything, and thus the judgment would be proper and righteous» — y su regla de juicio: inferir la esencia interior por la forma visible sin juzgar del todo por la vaina externa de lo que está dentro sin desplegarse.

«Essence therefore produces form by an association of its own qualities; and thus all conspicuous forms become unfolded. Thus it is the germ, which, when subjected to suitable conditions, becomes impregnated by its own latent qualities, and unfolds all the forms and manifestations in the external world» — sostiene que la esencia produce la forma por asociación de sus propias cualidades, y que el germen, en condiciones propias, se impregna de sus cualidades latentes.

«It is therefore a property of the embryo to develop a form corresponding to its own real reality. And it is as impossible for the perfect to exist before the imperfect, as it is for the highest of any form to be developed before the germ has passed through its many intermediate stages of unfolding» — y niega que lo perfecto pueda existir antes de lo imperfecto, como niega que la forma más alta se despliegue antes de que el germen recorra sus estadios intermedios.

«The transition of mineral and organic substances to the first and lowest of organic forms, is more generally exemplified in the present era than at any anterior period. The first classes of these forms consist of the lower marine and land plants : for the earth was clothed at this time with a great abundance of vegetation» — el § 61 sitúa en la era presente la mayor ejemplificación del tránsito de lo mineral a las primeras formas orgánicas, con la tierra ya vestida de vegetación abundante.

«It might therefore be stated that in the morning of the present era the vegetable productions of the earth were very different from what they are at the present time, inasmuch as change of localities, conditions, and circumstances, have unfolded their more interior essences, so that now there are in existence over two hundred species, from the lowest to the highest orders, that are very distinct from each other» — y cifra en más de doscientas las especies vegetales distintas que el cambio de localidades y condiciones desplegó desde la mañana de la era presente.

«One fact is generally manifested in the vegetable developments of the whole creation — and that is, their ascension from the endogenous as the first and lowest. The latter are forms with but one surface, receiving the external particles to the internal, both by atmospheric influx and general assimilation. This exemplifies the one surface characterizing the first stage of actual vegetation, and answers to the first animal forms which only possessed a cellular tissue, corresponding to a mucous membrane» — hace ascender el reino vegetal desde la endógena de una sola superficie, que hace corresponder con las primeras formas animales de tejido celular y membrana mucosa.

«Every form in the vegetable creation contains, in some peculiar state of combination, the essences found in the mineral substances, and which are developed in the animal kingdom. It is therefore evident from the same law of association that the lower orders of the vegetable creation, in becoming further developed, unfold essences and qualities that are contained in their seed» — sostiene que toda forma vegetal contiene en alguna combinación las esencias que se hallan en lo mineral y se despliegan en lo animal.

«As the flower is the ultimate and perfection of the interior substances of the plant, it is also the medium through which these substances are modified so as to assume successively-ascending forms, joining in one unbroken chain the simple and rudimental to the higher and more perfect types : and these possess suitable qualities to join, when properly developed, the lowest of the animal creation» — y pone a la flor como ultimación de las sustancias interiores de la planta y como medio por el que estas ascienden en cadena ininterrumpida hasta enlazar con lo más bajo de la creación animal.

«The present day ushers in more perfect forms in the living kingdoms than any previous day of creation. The lower orders are not more complicated or perfect, but the higher are much more so. For we have now presented in Nature an external manifestation of its interior qualities; and by observing the present form, order, and degree, of creation, we see the most perfect reflection of the undeveloped qualities contained in her interior» — declara la jornada presente la de las formas más perfectas: no por los órdenes bajos, que no son más complicados, sino por los altos, en los que ve el reflejo de las cualidades interiores de la Naturaleza.

«From the fish flowed the various reptiles — which joined the bird-creation; and these, by change of form and constitution caused only by the ushering-in of a new era of existence, run into and establish the marsupial mammifers» — traza la serie completa: del pez los reptiles, de estos las aves, y de estas, por cambio de forma y constitución, los mamíferos marsupiales.

«And it is known by physiologists who have inquired into the laws of embryology, that the foetus passes through as many distinct forms as there are eras or periods of the geological and living developments of the earth, up to the time the same species became an existing form in the animal kingdom» — adjudica a los fisiólogos de la embriología la ley que hace pasar al feto por tantas formas distintas como eras geológicas ha tenido la tierra hasta que su especie existió.

«And so the highest perfection of foetal development is characterized by the nature and constitution of the male; while the unascended or slightly-arrested utero-development establishes the female» — y hace de lo masculino la perfección más alta del desarrollo fetal y de lo femenino un desarrollo uterino detenido, tesis que extiende a los dos reinos.

«But it must be admitted (for it can be absolutely proved) that animal forms of every species now upon the face of the earth have decreased in size, strength, and beauty—that there is seemingly a general retrogression» — sostiene que toda especie animal de hoy ha menguado en tamaño, fuerza y belleza, y que hay al parecer una retrogresión general.

«So the quadrumana, including all the species of the monkey, ape, and orang-outang, ascending to the degree of development in which the negro anatomy and constitution are typified, have degenerated absolutely in all their natures, qualities, habits, and characters, from those existing during the early dawn of the present era» — y extiende esa degeneración a los cuadrumanos, del mono al orangután, ascendiendo hasta el grado en que dice tipificada la anatomía y la constitución del negro: la escala racial del libro se consigna aquí tal como la imprime, sin enmienda.

«This indicates and absolutely proves the approach of evening. It demonstrates the comparative exhaustion of previous energies, and presents a world of disunited and disorganized forms, that will ultimately sink into repose, and give place to the more perfect developments of a new day» — lee esa merma como señal de la tarde de la jornada presente y del mundo de formas desunidas que dará lugar a una jornada nueva.

«But it is to be deeply impressed upon the minds of all researchers that there is in Nature a universal Law of development, of reproduction, and of progression — and that this law has been established by virtue of divine Beginnings, or Principles, of which more will hereafter be revealed» — enuncia la ley universal de desarrollo, reproducción y progresión, establecida, dice, por Comienzos o Principios divinos de los que promete revelar más.

«I am impressed by this knowledge of Nature not to accede to the external scientifics of the world, seeing that Nature should reveal her own interior truths, and that these are represented in every motion, form of life, and development of sensation» — declara en primera persona su relación con la ciencia recibida: dice estar impresionado para no acceder a los conocimientos externos del mundo, porque la Naturaleza debe revelar sus propias verdades interiores.

«Having established and made plain the universal law that unfolds and controls the vegetable and animal developments, I now proceed, by a brief mode of generalization, to describe the orders and degrees of the vegetation existing from the commencement of the present day up to the historical era, or the time at which the observations of mankind commenced» — el § 63 anuncia el recorrido de la vegetación desde el comienzo de la jornada presente hasta la era histórica, que fecha en el inicio de las observaciones del género humano.

«The earth abounded with gigantic trees, such as were larger than any now upon its surface. The general classes of these ranged from the first and lowest coniferae to the highest oak, maple, and palm» — y describe los árboles gigantescos de entonces, de las coníferas más bajas al roble, el arce y la palma.

«The pine, in the form of an exogenous plant, existed at the commencement of the present era; and this at subsequent periods assumed the form of a more perfect pine, with its modifications of» — pone al pino como planta exógena ya presente al comienzo de la era, modificado después en cedro, cicuta y otras formas; el tramo se corta en el salto de plana.

«The maple also is a modification of the oak : and this assumed its character about eight hundred years after the red oaks became established» — fecha el arce ochocientos años después de establecidos los robles rojos, y lo declara modificación del roble.

«And it was nearly nineteen hundred years after the development of the birch and its associated vegetation, that the ferns and palms became perfected as they now are» — y da otra cifra de la misma clase: cerca de mil novecientos años desde el abedul hasta que los helechos y las palmas quedaron como hoy.

«One third of Asia, which joins nearly to the line of the Himalayah mountains, and runs in a westerly direction to the Euphrates (which then did not exist), and extends correspondingly through into Africa, following the same geological formations, produced forms of the vegetable kingdom more numerous and more developed than existed in any other portion of the earth, or at any other period of time» — sitúa en un tercio de Asia, de los Himalaya al Éufrates, y en su continuación africana, la vegetación más numerosa y desarrollada de la tierra, y dice que el Éufrates entonces no existía.

«Many ages after this, the grasses and grains, such as the clover, the maize, the rye, the oats, the wheat, the barley, and the rice, became also unfolded upon the properly-adapted and most fertile portions of the earth. These were also in a very low degree of deformity and imperfection, insomuch that their representatives of the present period would appear like an entire new creation» — fecha mucho después los pastos y los granos, del trébol al arroz, y los dice tan deformes e imperfectos que sus representantes de hoy parecerían una creación entera nueva.

«And one class, especially, was over one century and a half in performing one revolution, or one period of blooming. And the only representative which we have of this at the present period is the one known as the “century-plant”—which accomplishes its revolution in a much less amount of time. And from this there is a general gradation, down to the fertile vine which blooms every twenty-four hours» — y da una escala de floraciones que va de una clase que tardaba siglo y medio en su revolución, hoy representada por la planta del siglo, a la vid que florece cada veinticuatro horas.

«Man thus observing the unchangeableness of the vegetable kingdom during the whole of his life’s period, arrives at the conclusion that there is not and can not be any change in the established orders and species of vegetation» — explica por qué el hombre niega el cambio vegetal: observa el reino solo durante su propia vida y concluye que no hay ni puede haber cambio en los órdenes establecidos.

«It is seen by this exact correspondence that sensuous observation is not altogether the correct process of seeking for truth. For the conclusion of the philosopher is as erroneous as the conclusion of the fleeting insect» — y cierra la comparación con el efímero igualando las dos conclusiones: la del filósofo es tan errónea como la del insecto fugaz.

«The earth, when comprehended as an entire whole, is a stomach — an organ of imperceptible but ceaseless digestion —of which the mineral substances constitute the ultimate and excrement. Thus the gross and the refined are the result of a united and concerted digestion performed by an earthy organization. And thus the minerals are the polygastric bodies by which the vegetable kingdom receives existence and life» — la imagen con que une los tres reinos: la tierra entera como un estómago de digestión incesante, cuyo excremento último son las sustancias minerales, y los minerales como los cuerpos poligástricos por los que el reino vegetal recibe existencia y vida.

«And as I progress in the successive revealment of these higher forms, the science of correspondences, which was partially set forth in the Key, will be established and applied—so that the human mind can receive a clear conception of the uniformity and harmony of Nature» — anuncia que la ciencia de las correspondencias, esbozada en la Clave, quedará establecida y aplicada conforme suba por las formas superiores.

«The first animal forms of the present day are the simplest, like those of the previous periods. And these have been classified into various species, the whole forming one group or order; and these are similar to the types of the radiata, articulata, and mollusca, in the lower stages of creation, such as the infusoria, polyparia, Crustacea, conchiferae, and cephalopoda» — censa las primeras formas animales de la jornada presente y las hace semejantes a los tipos de radiados, articulados y moluscos de los estadios inferiores.

«There were many huge animals upon the face of the earth, such as the mammoth, and kindred species : but each became less in size and more refined in organization, as one order succeeded the other. There were also, in the country now known as Arabia, many large herds of these animals; also in the portion now known as Greenland, which was then warm and fertile» — sitúa grandes manadas de mamuts y especies afines en lo que hoy es Arabia y en Groenlandia, que dice entonces cálida y fértil.

«The mammoth and kindred forms did not remain upon the earth after the first two thousand years. These gradually decreased in number, and finally the whole order became nearly extinct, a few only remaining, the fossils of some of which are found in caves and icebergs» — fecha la extinción del mamut en los dos primeros milenios de la jornada presente y remite a los fósiles hallados en cuevas e icebergs.

«And in the early periods of the sixth day, after they had arrived at this state, they migrated to various parts of the earth, and thus at times became entirely separated from each other. Reproduction thus became limited, and finally entirely ceased. And so one after another died, and the order became extinct» — da su causa de la extinción de los animales gigantes: migraron, quedaron separados unos de otros, la reproducción se limitó y cesó, y el orden se extinguió.

«The opinion which has been nearly universally received concerning the destruction of these lower animals is altogether unwarrantable and unfounded. These were not swept from the face of the earth by any catastrophic occurrence, nor by any circumstances which some misinterpretations of the primitive history have led the minds of the world to suppose existed. But the cessation of their existence occurred from the causes before explained; and no other cause can be demonstrated to have produced this effect» — y niega de frente la opinión recibida: no fueron barridos por catástrofe alguna ni por lo que ciertas malas interpretaciones de la historia primitiva hicieron suponer al mundo.

«There was a certain condition of the sea at one period in which, by a strange and peculiar chemical process, substances were united together and ultimately became condensed, and were thrown by the waves upon the shores. Such substances are now termed amber» — explica el ámbar por un proceso químico peculiar del mar que unió sustancias, las condensó y las arrojó a las playas.

«About this time there were various animal species of the order quadrumana. These admit of various subdivisions, the higher being near the most perfect orang-outang of the present day. The individuals of the whole order were very much larger than any similar forms now existing, their stature even exceeding that of man» — describe los cuadrumanos de entonces, los más altos cercanos al orangután de hoy y todos de estatura mayor que la del hombre.

«To the superficial observer there would have been a confusion in creation because of the dissimilarity of forms, natures, dispositions, habits, and various other peculiarities, which characterized the animal creation in the early periods of the sixth day. Some were entirely herbivorous, and others entirely carnivorous; and each one pursued its own peculiar inclinations : and a world of huge, gigantic animal forms was presented, devouring each other and the vegetable productions» — pinta el mundo de la primera parte de la sexta jornada como una confusión aparente de formas gigantescas que se devoraban unas a otras y a las producciones vegetales.

«I come now to a stage of creation in which the lower types of Mankind are distinctly exemplified. And of these I am impressed to speak particularly, and to trace them connectedly and with rather more minuteness than the other degrees of creation have been traced. And this will be done in order to impress the understanding with the important truth displayed in the first ascension of interior principles to the individualization of the inner man» — el § 66 anuncia el tramo que el libro trata con más detenimiento: los tipos inferiores del género humano y la primera ascensión de los principios interiores a la individualización del hombre interior.

«Before speaking of the type of anatomy that exemplifies partially the form of man, it is well to remark that Nature is like the human brain — and is incessantly producing forms, as the brain is thoughts. And each form and peculiar organization in Nature is determined by the existing, controlling circumstances, which were the cause of such form» — la comparación con que explica la producción de formas: la Naturaleza es como el cerebro humano y produce formas de continuo, como el cerebro pensamientos, cada una determinada por las circunstancias que la causan; el tramo se corta antes del genitivo.

«So forms are the thoughts of Nature, as thoughts are the forms of the mind» — la fórmula en que cierra esa comparación.

«Their body was short and heavy, their limbs disproportionately long, and their heads of a very wide and low form. The spinal column in the early species resembled more nearly that of the fish than that of any other form. The shoulders were of great width, and the neck was very short and full. The whole body was covered with thick, heavy hair, like many of the plantigrades of that period» — describe al cuadrumano de esa era, que compara con los descritos en Saturno, con cuerpo corto y pesado, hombros anchos, cuello corto y todo el cuerpo cubierto de pelo espeso.

«This animal was the first type, after many ages of regeneration, which resembled in any particular the form of man. And the resemblance was in the peculiar form of the shoulders, back, and hips; but it resembled other animals in its extremities and main features» — y lo declara el primer tipo que, tras muchas edades de regeneración, se pareció en algo a la forma del hombre, en hombros, espalda y caderas.

«But all intermediate vegetable forms are only stages in the metamorphosis from the primitive to the subsequent developments» — niega a las formas vegetales intermedias el rango de clases nuevas y las declara estadios de la metamorfosis de lo primitivo a lo posterior; el tramo se corta en el salto de plana.

«I am impressed distinctly that this class of animals remained upon the earth nearly nine hundred years, during which time the physical elements experienced many changes, which at length resulted in the production of a higher form of the same class» — Davis fecha en primera persona la permanencia de esa clase en cerca de novecientos años, al cabo de los cuales los cambios físicos dieron una forma más alta de la misma clase.

«This new species, that now fills the place of the previous one, ascends one degree in the order of organic development. The animal of this species had a head much larger than that of the former species, though it was but little differently shaped. It possessed shoulders of similar highness, and an elongated spine, with a sacral-bone nearly like that of the ichthyosaurus. The extremities resembled partially those of the bear and partially those of the human being : but they used them all in walking, which made them like the plantigrade in habit, though they were like the bimana in some other respects» — describe la especie siguiente con cabeza mayor, espina alargada y extremidades entre el oso y el ser humano, usadas todas al caminar.

«The brain, by its heavy and sluggish action, gave beginning and birth to the nervous fluid : and by its contraction the system was charged with nervous energy» — adjudica al cerebro pesado y lento el nacimiento del fluido nervioso, y a su contracción la carga de energía nerviosa del sistema.

«The creation of a new species soon followed the destruction of the one just described. This, again, assumed a more perfect form, and its anatomy more resembled that of the lower order of mankind. Its head and body were not so large. The spine and its appendages were very differently constructed, and the extremities became now so modified that it used but two of its limbs in walking» — el § 67 da el paso a la marcha bípeda: la especie nueva modifica las extremidades hasta usar solo dos miembros para caminar.

«There is a law running through this system of comparative anatomy, not perceived in a superficial view of the order of creation. For the historical period is the only one wherein all investigations are made, and all inductions and hypotheses are established» — señala el sesgo que atribuye a la anatomía comparada: el periodo histórico es el único en que se investiga y se fijan inducciones e hipótesis.

«The inquirer, therefore, is like a person standing at the termination of a great water, and questioning its origin and its manner of forming itself into so large a body» — y lo ilustra con el que se para al final de una gran agua y pregunta por su origen y por cómo llegó a formarse.

«There is now a decrease in the species of the quadrumana; and decrease of forms indicates a composition of more refined materials» — lee la merma de tamaño de los cuadrumanos como signo de una composición de materiales más refinados.

«Therefore the whole body constitutes the first type of a species far below the negro inhabitants of the earth as now existing» — sitúa ese cuerpo como primer tipo de una especie que dice muy por debajo de los habitantes negros de la tierra: la escala racial del libro se consigna tal cual, sin enmienda.

«This class existed upon the earth nearly seven hundred years, during which time the whole of the animal kingdom assumed imperceptibly a higher degree of refinement» — y le da cerca de setecientos años de duración, durante los cuales dice que el reino animal entero se refinó imperceptiblemente.

«And it is not necessary to discuss the transformation of colors; for it will be seen by an explanation hereafter to be given, that all colors are homogeneous with the first and lowest — and that if the first is subjected to proper conditions, the succeeding colors will be unfolded (varying only as combinations differ) : and thus will be displayed all the complexions in the animal creation, and all the living and blooming beauties of the vegetable kingdom» — anuncia su tesis sobre el color: todos los colores son homogéneos con el primero y más bajo, y de este, en condiciones propias, se despliegan los demás, así en las complexiones de la creación animal como en el reino vegetal.

«Thus the form corresponds to the interior power of motion, motion to the nervous life, and this to the active and susceptible sensation that pervades the serous and cellular tissues of the whole body. Thus these three forces become, when properly perfected, the first indication of intelligence» — encadena forma, movimiento, vida nerviosa y sensación como las tres fuerzas que, perfeccionadas, dan la primera indicación de inteligencia, la que los naturalistas llaman instinto.

«These animals, to the present inhabitants of the earth, would appear like giants in form and stature. Indeed, they were larger than any similar forms now upon any portion of the earth. These were the first that displayed any indication of mental activity. They were so formed that it became convenient for them to use distinct sounds which were significant to the minds of those addressed» — los describe como gigantes ante los habitantes de hoy y les adjudica la primera actividad mental: sonidos distintos y significativos para aquellos a quienes se dirigían.

«The sounds produced were somewhat like those made by some species of the feline tribe, but in no particular did they resemble those used in human vocal intercourse» — y les niega glotis y lengua aptas para la voz: los sonidos venían de la garganta y en nada se parecían a los del trato vocal humano.

«They even had a conception of rearing artificial structures wherein they might reside — and they often inhabited caves : but they generally, like the lower species of the same order, dwelt upon the surface of the earth» — les adjudica ya una concepción de levantar estructuras artificiales donde residir, y el hábito de morar en cuevas y sobre la superficie de la tierra.

«The degree of organization which subsequently took their place, was the first form that approached or indicated in the least degree any of the peculiar characteristics of mankind; and these represented the Jalofs and Mandingoes in their lower degree» — el § 68 nombra el primer grado que indica en algo los rasgos del género humano y lo hace corresponder con los jalofos y los mandingas en su grado inferior; los nombres van tal cual los imprime el troceo.

«And this brings the period of the sixth day of creation to a point three thousand and eight hundred years before the commencement of the race as referred to in the primitive, written record» — fecha el punto al que ha llegado en tres mil ochocientos años antes del comienzo de la raza de que habla el registro escrito primitivo.

«And it was at this time that a new tribe was introduced upon the earth—rising entirely above the undeveloped features of the lower forms. These constituted what may be properly termed a transition from the animal to man : and these were the first forms that could be properly termed Man» — y sitúa aquí la tribu nueva que llama tránsito del animal al hombre, las primeras formas que dice podían llamarse propiamente Hombre.

«And the record which reveals the then-existing condition of the earth is distinctly proved and exemplified; for the beauties of creation, displayed in all the parts of Asia and Africa that were fertile, represented not only the interior qualities contained in the earth, but also the primitive conception of the garden of Eden» — hace corresponder las bellezas de Asia y África con la concepción primitiva del jardín del Edén, y con eso empieza a leer el relato bíblico como correspondencia.

«And, again, it is evident that man was formed “from the dust of the earth”—was rendered man only by the congregation of innumerable living forms, which assumed orders, degrees, species, associations, and correspondences» — lee el hombre formado del polvo de la tierra como congregación de innumerables formas vivientes que asumieron órdenes, grados, especies, asociaciones y correspondencias.

«The written history speaks of the multiplying of each form of the sea, land, and air. And all these were subjected to the control of man, while man was actually dependent upon all below and around him in being. For while he is the unlimited proprietor of his own person, the whole creation below his exalted degree is necessary to his subsistence and nourishment» — y pone junto al dominio del hombre sobre las formas del mar, la tierra y el aire su dependencia de todo lo que está debajo y alrededor de él.

«flowed through the ten thousand avenues and forms of animated Nature, until it breathed into man the breath of life, and he became a living soul» — traduce el aliento de vida del Génesis a las emanaciones de la Gran Mente Positiva por diez mil avenidas de la Naturaleza animada; la frase abre en la plana anterior y el tramo arranca tras el salto.

«Man, then, represents the universal progressive development which is an inherent and eternal law of matter: also he represents a resurrection of every gross material in being» — el § 69 hace del hombre el representante del desarrollo progresivo universal y una resurrección de todo material grosero en el ser.

«And the saying that is contained in the Key is now verified, that “Nature is the Cause; forms are the Effects, and man is the Ultimate production and that “the Great Positive Mind, as a Cause, uses Nature as an Effect, to produce Spirit as an Ultimate» — Davis se cita otra vez a sí mismo: la Naturaleza es la Causa, las formas los Efectos y el hombre la producción Última, y la Gran Mente Positiva usa la Naturaleza como Efecto para producir el Espíritu como Ultimado.

«And nothing is too low in the scale of being to be of indispensable importance in the position it occupies. Moreover, nothing is so low but that it is the perfection of something still lower. And the lowest particle in being is only a representative of an endless use and adaptation. Nothing therefore is useless : for that which appears gross and imperfect is in reality the only substantial source of subsequent unfoldings» — niega que haya nada inútil en la escala del ser, porque lo que parece grosero e imperfecto es la única fuente sustancial de los despliegues siguientes.

«Thus the germ of existence is in Nature, and the fruit thereof is Man. Thus the vegetable mirrors the undeveloped qualities in the earth, and represents the animal kingdom. This, again, reflects the beauties of the vegetable kingdom, and represents the formation of Man. And man exemplifies the perfect unfolding of Nature’s interior qualities, and represents within himself the united and harmonious Universe» — la cadena de espejos con que cierra: el vegetal refleja lo no desplegado de la tierra, el animal refleja el vegetal, y el hombre representa dentro de sí el Universo unido y armonioso.

«And the first and most comprehensive attribute that is manifested in these forms is divine Wisdom. And their unity and harmonious reciprocation prove that Wisdom is the higher attribute flowing from the Fountain of divine Love. Love, therefore, determines the universal relationship, and Wisdom the universal adaptation» — reparte los dos atributos más altos de la Naturaleza: el Amor determina el parentesco universal y la Sabiduría la adaptación universal.

«This is the Vortex from which are unfolded successively the receding waves of a united Universe. And one of these is an index to the expanding sublimities of another; and so their ceaseless flowings comprehend the whole Univercoelum. And as these are the flowings of the general materials in space, so the earth constitutes a similar vortex of power, which rolls forth succeeding waves from the mineral to the vegetable, to the animal, and to man : and the breathings of inherent qualities transcend Motion, Life, and Sensation, and form a pure and exalted Spirit» — la imagen del Vórtice: del Univercoelum salen ondas sucesivas, y la tierra es un vórtice semejante que va del mineral al vegetal, al animal y al hombre, hasta trascender Movimiento, Vida y Sensación en un Espíritu puro.

«The Universe, therefore, is an ocean of activity, even as the Univercoelum is a boundless ocean of infinite Love and Wisdom» — el § 70 define el Universo como océano de actividad y el Univercoelum como océano sin límites de Amor y Sabiduría infinitos.

«The Thoughts of the infinite Mind, therefore, constitute the laws of Nature : and the results of these thoughts are the animated forms in being, including the exalted form of man — which again form, on a corresponding principle, the interior, spiritual existence. Nature, therefore, is merely a Thought of the divine Mind, as forms are the thoughts of Nature» — la fórmula que anida los tres planos: los Pensamientos de la Mente infinita son las leyes de la Naturaleza, y la Naturaleza misma un Pensamiento de la Mente divina, como las formas son los pensamientos de la Naturaleza.

«It is seen by this that universal truth displays a universal correspondence. All things, therefore, are existing externally in forms, but all realities are dwelling in the interior, and are the cause of the form’s existence. Thus it is necessary for the living principle of man to have an external form : for the two mutually depend upon each other. Without the form, the spirit could not be; and without the spirit, there could be no form» — y la dependencia mutua de forma y espíritu: sin la forma el espíritu no podría ser, y sin el espíritu no habría forma.

«The Sun being the interior and producing cause, its evolved forms constitute the united external Form. So the whole Univercoelum is necessary as a Form — a Body—of the Great Positive Mind. This living Principle is the all-producing Cause, and the Univercoelum is the universal Effect» — extiende esa relación al Sol y a su sistema, y de ahí al Univercoelum como Forma o Cuerpo de la Gran Mente Positiva, Causa que todo lo produce, y Efecto universal.

«And thus the whole creations of boundless space are only an external Form assumed by the interior qualities of the divine Mind» — la consecuencia que saca: las creaciones del espacio sin límites son solo una Forma externa asumida por las cualidades interiores de la Mente divina.

«in which my mind is situated, and in which all effects are made present. And these effects are exemplified in every minute particle constituting an inseparable chain of correspondences ascending to the highest celestial spheres» — Davis describe desde dónde dice hablar: una esfera de Causas en la que su mente está situada y en la que todos los efectos se hacen presentes, en cadena de correspondencias hasta las esferas celestes más altas; el tramo arranca tras la llamada de nota.

«the author explains in his spiritual revelations, in a subsequent part of this work» — Fishbough remite en nota a la parte posterior del volumen para lo que el autor entiende por esfera de causas.

«And thus were male and female created; and these were qualified to exercise an unlimited control over all the lower orders of being, even as man feels his absolute dependence upon them» — consigna la creación de varón y hembra con un control ilimitado sobre los órdenes inferiores y, a la vez, con dependencia absoluta de ellos.

«so this ultimate development of creation is a mirror wherein is reflected the truthful expression that “the evening and the morning were the sixth day» — cierra con la sexta fórmula del Génesis, que dice absolutamente verificada por la consumación de la jornada; la frase abre en la plana anterior y el tramo arranca tras el salto.

«The germ of man has thus been discovered in the lower forms of the animal kingdom, and traced through all of its progressive stages of development, rising from the lower degrees through the great body of the animal creation, with its many and diversified branches and their modifications, up to the blooming perfection of the living tree whose fruit is the organization of man» — el § 71 resume la serie entera: el germen del hombre hallado en las formas inferiores del reino animal y rastreado por todos sus estadios hasta el árbol viviente cuyo fruto es la organización del hombre.

«The present existence of man was within and near the portion of Asia which has since been termed Turkey, extending to the regions of the Euphrates and Tigris, and joining in two distinct lines to the locality whereupon was built Jerusalem» — sitúa al primer hombre en la porción de Asia hoy llamada Turquía, hacia el Éufrates y el Tigris, y en dos líneas hasta el lugar donde se edificó Jerusalén.

«Their mental constitutions (of which more will hereafter be said) were not intellectual so much as social, but they were characterized by great power of perception and memory. They did not display any noble moral qualities such as were manifested in the subsequent races» — les adjudica constituciones más sociales que intelectuales, con gran poder de percepción y memoria, y les niega las cualidades morales de las razas posteriores.

«This, with the lower and kindred races, has been designated by the comprehensive term Adam — as was their associate tribe comprehended by the term Eve—these terms representing the first and the basis of the more perfect inhabitants» — lee Adán y Eva no como individuos sino como términos comprensivos de razas y tribus asociadas, primeras y base de los habitantes más perfectos.

«At first, and for many continuous ages, they communicated their ideas by expressions of the countenance and outward physical signs; and while they remained unsophisticated by the art of clothing their ideas in verbal sounds, they were free from all cupidity and absolute deception» — describe la comunicación primera por el gesto y la expresión del rostro, y dice a esos hombres libres de toda codicia y engaño mientras no vistieron sus ideas de sonidos verbales.

«But when they had advanced a little further, and had partaken of a little of the fruit of the tree of Knowledge, they began to conceal their true sentiments, and to clothe them with an arbitrary vocal sound — which possessed not the power of communicating the real reality of their ideas and affections to each other, but rather was liable to convey deceptive impressions» — lee el fruto del árbol del Conocimiento como el paso a la palabra: empezaron a ocultar sus sentimientos verdaderos y a vestirlos de un sonido vocal arbitrario, apto para transmitir impresiones engañosas.

«The first inhabitants did not possess perfect vocal powers. This arose from a deformity of the trachea, larynx, and glottis. These, when perfectly arranged, act in concert to produce the variations of sound, according to the influence of the will upon the parts» — y adjudica esa imperfección a una deformidad de la tráquea, la laringe y la glotis, que solo bien dispuestas producen las variaciones del sonido según la voluntad.

«The water, therefore, is a medium by which gross particles are transferred into its own composition, by its attractive power as owing to its spiral form. And the atmosphere, being a higher degree of the watery element, and having the vortical form, possesses a still greater power of transferring the watery element into its composition. Thus one is so arranged that it is adapted to the perfection of the other. And these must be considered as owing their origin to the rudimental forms» — reparte formas a los elementos: el agua espiral y la atmósfera vortical, una dispuesta para la perfección de la otra, y ambas debiendo su origen a las formas rudimentales.

«Language, therefore, is a result of progressive development; and it existed in an imperfect condition ever since the development of the law of Sensation. From that moment instinctive signs were employed by the animal creations; and these continued to grow more and more perfect until the establishment and present condition of the human inhabitants of the earth. Vocal, verbal communication, could not have occurred before this period : for previously the atmosphere was too grossly constituted» — el § 72 hace del lenguaje un resultado del desarrollo progresivo desde la ley de la Sensación, y niega que la comunicación verbal pudiera darse antes, porque la atmósfera era demasiado grosera.

«Not long after the introduction of verbal sounds as signs of impressions, the inhabitants became disunited in social affection in consequence of the misconceptions conveyed by those sounds. They finally could not enjoy each other’s society; for every expression of the mind, which was originally pure and unadulterated, was now clothed in a false sheath; and this created disunity and confusion among all the inhabitants» — fecha en la palabra misma la desunión: las expresiones puras quedaron vestidas de una vaina falsa y eso creó desunión y confusión entre todos los habitantes.

«Previously to this, mankind were in an innocent and pure condition; but by the constant increase of these causes, they became disunited and repulsive to each other. This has been distinguished in the original history as a state of depravity» — y traduce ese proceso al término de la historia original: lo que esta llama estado de depravación.

«It was in this manner that their eyes were opened; and thus they were enabled to see their own deceptions and imperfections. And having a new power of conversing with one another, they clothed their real and imperfect thoughts by false sheaths or deceptive aprons of obscurity» — lee los ojos abiertos y los delantales del Génesis como el poder nuevo de conversar y de vestir los pensamientos reales con vainas falsas.

«Thus the whole race became dejected and depraved : not because they had violated any constitutional faculty, physical or mental, but because their faculties were wrongly and imperfectly developed» — y niega que hubiera violación de facultad alguna: la raza se volvió abatida y depravada porque sus facultades se desarrollaron mal, no porque quebrantara nada.

«At the period when this wretchedness prevailed most extensively, they were obliged to leave the happy associations of their former days, even the beautiful Eden of the earth, and became dispersed into other lands» — lee la expulsión como dispersión: obligados a dejar el Edén de la tierra, se establecieron tres naciones distintas salidas de esa fuente rudimental.

«There was existing in the minds of one nation a disposition to peace, unity, and concert of action. They dwelt harmoniously together; they were kind and gentle to each other and to their brother nation, insomuch that they have been made to correspond to a shepherd, and their amiable and gentle dispositions to the innocency of sheep» — describe a la nación pacífica que dice hecha corresponder a un pastor y su mansedumbre a la inocencia de las ovejas.

«As these names have now become familiar, it can not be inappropriate to use them in designating the movements of these two nations. Cain was very much versed in scientifics. He claimed, with an air of self-sufficiency and false dignity, to possess the knowledge of all things, and thus felt very much exalted above his brother Abel» — adopta los nombres recibidos para designar el movimiento de las dos naciones, y describe a Caín muy versado en lo científico y con aire de autosuficiencia.

«Thus the two nations warred together. Devastation was the result: but soon the terrific combat was ended; and Cain, the overpowering nation, usurped the wide dominion of the whole earth» — y resuelve el fratricidio en guerra entre naciones: Caín, la nación que prevalece, usurpa el dominio de toda la tierra.

«The nation (Cain) which superseded the other, was very well versed in sensuous knowledge, and retained hereditarily all the imperfections of the previous inhabitants. Its people soon became sensible of their defiled condition. They became extremely depraved and wretched, such being the legitimate fruit of physical, mental, and social violations. They represented a being in despair, suffering as they did the full consequences of their violations : and thus Cain was represented as saying, “My punishment is greater than I can bear» — el § 73 lee la frase del castigo mayor de lo soportable como confesión de una nación entera, fruto de violaciones físicas, mentales y sociales.

«After the nation had thus conquered all that was good and amiable, it removed to another portion of the earth, which was further west, and almost upon the European continent. Here they gradually became imperfectly and socially organized : and as it was a land not fertile, it was termed “Nod for this corresponds to barrenness» — y traduce la tierra de Nod a una correspondencia: una tierra no fértil, que hace corresponder a esterilidad.

«The garden of Eden literally corresponds to peace and beauty. The streams of water that were described as flowing through the garden, were rivers the courses of which have since been changed by the volcanic action of the earth. These rivers correspond to fertility» — abre la clave de correspondencias del relato: el jardín del Edén corresponde a paz y belleza, y sus ríos, cuyos cursos dice cambiados por la acción volcánica, a fertilidad.

«Adam and Eve correspond to two distinct nations — which ultimately became associated, and thus formed one, in the interior of Asia. The tree of knowledge corresponds to the undeveloped embryo of perfection and intelligence» — sigue la clave: Adán y Eva como dos naciones distintas asociadas en una, y el árbol del conocimiento como el embrión no desplegado de perfección e inteligencia.

«The animal of the saurian species that is represented as being more subtle than any other beast of the earth, corresponds to the secret, imperceptible progress of an unfavorable and unhappy mental development» — y la serpiente como especie sauria que hace corresponder al progreso secreto e imperceptible de un desarrollo mental desfavorable.

«The nations (which were two combined as one) thus obtained the knowledge of good and evil; and this knowledge corresponds to having their eyes opened» — cierra la equivalencia: el conocimiento del bien y del mal de dos naciones combinadas en una corresponde a tener los ojos abiertos.

«From them sprang the two nations designated in the primitive history as Cain and Abel — the former being distinguished for external show and highmindedness, and the latter being a meek and unsophisticated nation whose principles corresponded to the innocence of sheep» — repite la clave de Caín y Abel como naciones, una distinguida por la ostentación externa y la otra mansa y sin doblez.

«The war and devastation that arose after many ages (after they had become men or great nations), correspond to the predominance of ignorance and folly-over peace and goodness» — y hace corresponder la guerra entre ellas al predominio de la ignorancia y la insensatez sobre la paz y la bondad.

«We have now ascended to the basis of all theological speculations of the nineteenth century, and of those that have called forth the energies of the most erudite men of every age and nation. And many speculators, in consequence of the unsearchable antiquity of the doctrines which they have investigated, have become entirely deceived as to their origin and the foundation on which they rest» — Davis declara haber llegado a la base de todas las especulaciones teológicas del siglo XIX, y dice a muchos especuladores engañados sobre el origen de las doctrinas que investigan por la antigüedad de estas.

«Here, then, is the cause of the present imperfection of the world. Being misdirected in its incipient and rudimental stages, civilization has gradually taken various courses, and these have been subjected to many modifications, until at the present period the disorganization is so radical and universal that no inquirers have been able to search out its foundation» — y fija la causa de la imperfección del mundo en una civilización mal dirigida en sus estadios rudimentales, con una desorganización que dice tan radical que ningún indagador ha hallado su fundamento.

«Such, then, is the origin of evil; and from its origin many dissimilar consequences have followed, varying according to the civilized or uncivilized condition of the subsequent nations» — la fórmula con que cierra su explicación del mal, cuyas consecuencias dice variadas según el estado civilizado o no de las naciones posteriores.

«Africa at this time contained two distinct nations — one of these being the original branch of the primitive inhabitants, and the other being a part of the same nation, only disconnected by a dissimilarity of disposition and government. And Asia contained three distinct nations — the greatest of these being that existing in the interior, extending its dominion to Turkey; another being upon the border of the continent; while the third existed in the region of Jerusalem» — el § 74 censa las naciones de entonces: dos en África y tres en Asia, la mayor en el interior con dominio hasta Turquía y la tercera en la región de Jerusalén.

«Not long after this the nation that dwelt in Central America began to improve rather more extensively than any of the older and kindred nations. Having ascended to a higher degree of intellectual development, they began to till the previously-uncultivated earth» — adjudica a la nación de Centroamérica el primer adelanto sobre las demás y el inicio del cultivo de la tierra.

«The inhabitants of Asia and Africa remained in a degenerate condition. Being so universally disunited in consequence of their imperfect social institutions, it became necessary, in order to control the people, to establish over them an arbitrary government — to appoint a ruler who might exercise despotic, tyrannical dominion; and the people were willing, as at the present day, to submit to these unnatural and unholy governments» — y adjudica el gobierno arbitrario a la desunión: hizo falta nombrar un gobernante con dominio despótico, y la gente estuvo dispuesta a someterse, dice, como en el día de hoy.

«The inhabitants of the earth had not assumed a lighter color than that which may be observed in the Jalofs and Caffers» — consigna que los habitantes de la tierra no habían tomado aún un color más claro que el que dice observable en los jalofos y los cafres; los nombres van tal cual los imprime el troceo.

«The present degree of moral, social, and intellectual development, involves subjects of deep interest to the most profoundly-inquiring minds, among which class theologians sustain a prominent position. And inasmuch as their innumerable opinions are generally the subsequent modifications of conceptions of the primitive and uncultivated inhabitants of the earth, they will feel a decided interest in the following revealments as involving the truth or untruth of the main features of their psychological theories» — el § 75 se dirige a los teólogos y les anuncia que lo que sigue toca la verdad o la falsedad de los rasgos principales de sus teorías, porque sus opiniones son modificaciones de las concepciones de los habitantes primitivos.

«All minds are seemingly converging to one centre, at which will be developed the perfected knowledge of psychological and eternal truth. This will be the establishment of some vast, comprehensive, united system of theology — one that will sustain an inseparable connexion with the natural, interior elements of man, and with the universal laws of Nature, and likewise will unfold the consoling truths in reference to a future and interior world» — anuncia una teología vasta y unida, ligada a los elementos interiores del hombre y a las leyes universales de la Naturaleza, que despliegue además las verdades sobre un mundo futuro e interior.

«And there is no division between science, philosophy, metaphysics, and religion. For the first is the rudiment and basis of the second. The second illustrates the first, and typifies the third. The third unites with the second, and flows spontaneously into the fourth. The fourth pervades and comprehends them all, and flows as spontaneously to a still higher degree of knowledge and perfection» — niega división entre ciencia, filosofía, metafísica y religión, y las encadena como rudimento, ilustración, unión y comprensión de todas.

«Thus nothing is natural which is not moral. Thus the natural and the moral are conjoined principles dwelling in Nature and flowing out of truth» — la fórmula con que une lo natural y lo moral como principios conjuntos que moran en la Naturaleza y manan de la verdad.

«The metaphysician has entered into many profound investigations relating to the menial constitution of man. He has endeavored to discover the origin of passions which constitute the elements of the mind; the origin of Sensation (which is a principle of the organization originating in its inherent essence); and of the affections and loves (which are the elements of all interior association); also of Intelligence, which consists of the thoughts of the substance of the mind» — censa lo que el metafísico ha buscado, el origen de las pasiones, de la Sensación, de los afectos y de la Inteligencia, y le objeta haber razonado desde una base asumida; el troceo imprime menial por mental.

«the larynx and glottis; and these not being varied according to reason, they became socially confused and ultimately divided into many tribes. These settled in the east of Asia, in the interior, and on the borders joining the African continent. They were in a very uncivilized condition, being governed generally by a sanguinary discipline which expressed characteristics but little above the higher orders of animals, and disconnected them completely from the nations in the European continent and in Central America» — describe a las tribus asiáticas de lenguaje incoherente, gobernadas por una disciplina sanguinaria y desconectadas por completo de las naciones de Europa y de Centroamérica; la frase abre en la plana anterior y el tramo arranca tras el salto.

«The inhabitants of Central America had advanced more than the other nations in the arts, sciences, and mechanical inventions; but their minds were yet uncultivated in all the higher branches of knowledge and refinement. They had advanced also in language. Every century brought a distinct modification in their form of vocal communication : and they spoke a tongue so primitive that no analogy to it has as yet been discovered in the elements of oriental and subsequent languages» — y adjudica a Centroamérica la ventaja en artes, ciencias e invenciones y una lengua tan primitiva que dice sin analogía hallada en los idiomas orientales ni posteriores.

«And those in Africa were, if possible, in a lower degree of uncivilization than the African inhabitants of the present day. They were, however, above the brutish inhabitants that were divided into castes and tribes on the continent of Asia» — ordena a las naciones por grado de civilización y pone a las de África por debajo de las africanas de hoy y por encima de las tribus de Asia; el juicio se consigna tal cual lo imprime el libro.

«About this period the imaginations of the more advanced nations became very fertile, and were of a character corresponding with the undeveloped state of their minds. Imaginative belief began in this period to form a conspicuous feature in the workings of the human mind; and it is well to mention how these hallucinations became established» — anuncia el origen de la creencia imaginativa como rasgo de las naciones más adelantadas y se propone decir cómo quedaron establecidas esas alucinaciones.

«As a consequence of these social confusions, and of these adverse feelings toward each other, they conceived of the existence of an imperceptible enemy which they supposed to be instilling into their minds a spirit of vengeance and retaliation, and generating absolute evil» — hace nacer la figura del enemigo imperceptible de la confusión social: concibieron una presencia que les infundía venganza y generaba el mal absoluto.

«They attributed the evil influence to the peculiar atmosphere that encompassed the earth, believing that the light which proceeded from the sun possessed the power of imparting to it these malignant influences» — y traza el paso siguiente: atribuyeron esa influencia a la atmósfera y a la luz que venía del sol, porque se aborrecían cuando el sol se alzaba sobre ellos.

«Thus arose a dread of light — even of any interior or mental light, which might otherwise have illuminated their minds and ameliorated their social condition. It was concerning those who were still tinctured with this feeling that the language was spoken which says, “Men love darkness rather than light, because their deeds are evil» — y hace de ese miedo el origen del dicho evangélico sobre los hombres que aman más las tinieblas que la luz porque sus obras son malas.

«It is well to remark that this is the very basis of mythology : yet it is too remote to be known to the world at the present day» — señala ahí mismo la base de la mitología, que dice demasiado remota para ser conocida por el mundo de hoy.

«They now believed the sun to arise from an indescribable abyss, of which it was the representative. Clothed, as it was, with a robe of consuming fire, and presenting to them such fearful declarations, they shuddered at the contemplation of that which they supposed the sun represented, which was inconceivably more fiery» — describe la creencia en un sol que sale de un abismo indescriptible y vuelve a la fuente del fuego para revestirse, y en una fuente de fuego inconcebiblemente más ardiente que él.

«It is well to remark (and the remark can be applied to the present day) that a gross and imaginative hallucination, resulting only from the disordered and confused state of the mental faculties, becomes modified in accordance with the development of intelligence. And in proportion to the fertility of the conceptive powers, is the sublimity of superstitious imaginations» — y enuncia la regla que dice aplicable también al día de hoy: la alucinación imaginativa se modifica según se desarrolla la inteligencia, y a más fértil la facultad conceptiva, más sublime la imaginación supersticiosa.

«I am distinctly impressed with the truthfulness of this account of the original condition of the inhabitants of the earth. Thus language, arts, sciences, consociality, and theological theories, advance in proportion to the advance of civilization» — declara en primera persona la veracidad de esa cuenta y resume: lengua, artes, ciencias, sociabilidad y teorías teológicas avanzan a la par que la civilización.

«We are now approaching nearly to the period of which records are contained in the primitive history of the earth and its inhabitants. And before there was a decided change in the condition of the world, there were several geological transformations and volcanic catastrophes, which altered the features of many portions of the earth, and likewise changed the courses of many rivers and the positions of many seas» — el § 76 anuncia las últimas transformaciones geológicas antes del periodo histórico, con cambios en los cursos de los ríos y en las posiciones de los mares.

«Thus the inhabitants of Asia could, by following the circuit of narrow strips of land, reach the portion of the earth now known as Yucatan. An isolated nation also extended along the connected land into America. And from these originated the inferior inhabitants that have been found upon this continent, and known as the American Indians, and which have excited so many queries as to their origin» — da su explicación del poblamiento de América: por franjas de tierra unidas desde Asia hasta lo que hoy es Yucatán, y de ahí los habitantes que llama indios americanos.

«It is well to remark that the Sandwich islands, the Friendly islands, and the island of New Holland, are the three prominent ones that have since become dry and fertile» — nombra las tres islas que dice emergidas y vueltas fértiles desde entonces; los nombres van tal cual los imprime el troceo.

«orders of animals, and a formation of new and more perfect organizations. These modifications occurred among the lower orders of the animal creation, and from these there was a progress upward to the production of the quadrumana; and from these, again, through many ascending forms to the ushering-in of the lower bimana tribes; and from these, again, up to the creation of man at the close of the sixth day» — resume la cadena desde el cretácico: cambios entre los órdenes bajos, de ahí los cuadrumanos, de estos las tribus bimanas inferiores y de estas la creación del hombre al cierre de la sexta jornada; la frase abre en la plana anterior y el tramo arranca tras el salto.

«It is well to understand that one of these essential changes required nearly a whole century—and that the changes were innumerable, and therefore innumerable ages elapsed during the ascension of the first forms of the fifth day to the organizations of the period under immediate consideration» — y da la escala de tiempo: cerca de un siglo por cada cambio esencial y un número innumerable de ellos.

«The result was the mighty catastrophe of which the whole earth now bears evidence. It was an upheaval of the entire upper portions of England and America, with all the adjacent parts» — sitúa la última catástrofe en el levantamiento de las porciones superiores de Inglaterra y América con sus partes adyacentes.

«Thus geologists have noticed many prominences in which the upheaved strata seem upon one side to have been abruptly broken, while upon the other side they are gently inclined. These may be observed in the highlands of Scotland and in the Grampian mountains; also in the upper portions of the European continent» — y remite a lo que los geólogos observan en los estratos levantados, rotos de un lado y suavemente inclinados del otro, en las tierras altas de Escocia y en los montes Grampianos.

«At this time the Pacific ocean suddenly flowed over the land that was before an extended valley, which, being sunk lower, gave room for its admission; and since that time this ocean has divided the two continents» — fecha ahí la entrada del Pacífico sobre un valle hundido y la división de los dos continentes.

«Thus about two thirds of the inhabitants of the earth were destroyed by the great earthquake and inundation. A few remained in Asia, and more in Africa; and these, with those that inhabited Yucatan, were the only inhabitants remaining upon the earth, with the exception of three isolated tribes in North America» — cifra en dos tercios los habitantes destruidos por el terremoto y la inundación, y deja como sobrevivientes unos pocos en Asia, más en África, los de Yucatán y tres tribus aisladas en Norteamérica.

«The flood, however, is described in the primitive history as rather more universal than it actually was. It is termed a flood, and is represented as a universal one — which corresponded to an entire geological and geographical change of many portions of the earth, together with the utter destruction of many inhabitants that were very unhappily situated and very imperfectly developed» — objeta la universalidad del diluvio: dice que la historia primitiva lo describe más universal de lo que fue, y lo reduce a un cambio geológico con destrucción de habitantes mal situados.

«The original description of the flood is, however, an entire spiritual correspondence — representing in an imperfect manner this great catastrophe, which was the basis of the whole illustration» — y declara la descripción original una correspondencia espiritual entera, que representa de manera imperfecta la catástrofe que fue su base.

«I am impressed that the internal meaning of many sayings that were apparently literal has not as yet been properly and generally understood by mankind, notwithstanding their true meaning was understood by those who wrote them, and has since been unfolded to the world by an expanded and suitable intellect» — sostiene que el sentido interno de muchos dichos aparentemente literales no se ha entendido, aunque lo entendían quienes los escribieron.

«And from this period it is well to date the early history of the human race— considering all the previous inhabitants as only in the incipient stages of this condition of mankind, which condition represents all the subsequent conditions of the race throughout the whole earth» — fecha ahí la historia temprana de la raza humana y deja a todos los habitantes anteriores como estadios incipientes de esa condición.

«Soon after this period, as will be discovered, the nations began to conceive of substantial signs as representatives and correspondences of things and thoughts. These are the hieroglyphics; and from these the subsequent historians derived their knowledge and impressions. There is no real knowledge to be obtained from hieroglyphics or history concerning the earth or its inhabitants antecedent to this period» — el § 78 pone el origen de los jeroglíficos y niega que de ellos o de la historia pueda obtenerse conocimiento real sobre la tierra anterior a ese periodo.

«And at this period the history of language begins; and from this it may be traced through the various and successive nations to its present condition. So this is a period in the earth’s history marked by more important considerations than almost any other period : for we have now ascended to the basis of all subsequent conditions of the world down to the present day» — y fecha ahí el comienzo de la historia de la lengua y la base de todas las condiciones posteriores del mundo.

«The jawbones were of great length, the mouth was large and distended, the cheek-bones were prominent, and the head greatly represented those of several of the feline tribe. The nose was very broad and flat, the brows were full, and the eyes were rather inclined to the top of the nose. The chest and the whole viscera system were very imperfectly formed, but represented in their main features the body of the Gaffers» — describe con detalle anatómico la clase siguiente, con la nariz ancha y plana, las cejas llenas y el cuerpo comparado al de los Gaffers; el nombre va tal cual lo imprime el troceo.

«Various species of these animals inhabited Asia and Africa. Being yet animals, they were highly susceptible to the influences of external circumstances — more so, indeed, than any other order of animals. They were of great stature, had great power of will, and possessed strong passions, as owing to the highly-susceptible inclinations» — sitúa esas especies en Asia y África y las dice altamente susceptibles a las influencias externas, de gran estatura, con gran poder de voluntad y pasiones fuertes; el tramo se corta en el salto de plana.

«It is evident that when the will excites the vocal organs, there is a communication of positive power constituted of more perfect particles than those previously pervading the same organs. And when the vocal organs are thus excited, they become mediums for the descension of the will. This produces a corresponding action upon the particles of the atmosphere; and the first particles excited communicate their excitement to the adjoining ones, and thus the action proceeds from one particle to another» — describe la cadena del sonido vocal: la voluntad excita los órganos, estos se vuelven medio de su descenso y la acción pasa de una partícula del aire a la siguiente.

«They had not as yet erected any houses; for they dwelt in ingeniously-constructed tents made of the foliage that was so abundant in those parts of the earth» — los describe sin casas, morando en tiendas ingeniosamente construidas con el follaje abundante de aquellas partes de la tierra.

«The opposite nation, which dwelt upon the borders of Asia, possessed the various dispositions of the primary inhabitants. They were imperfectly organized as to their mental, physical, and social constitutions. They manifested the passions of envy and retaliation. They remained, to the same extent as were the previous inhabitants, in a misdirected and ill-developed state. From this cause all manner of deception, tyranny, false ambition, and impure highmindedness, arose among them. They were an imperfect and badly-organized nation. They were deceptive and universally selfish» — describe a la nación opuesta, imperfectamente organizada en lo mental, lo físico y lo social, con las pasiones de la envidia y la represalia, engañosa y universalmente egoísta.

«For let this idea be as universal as it is true, That thoughts are not generated by external things, but that they are evolved from the living principle within» — la tesis con que invierte el orden del conocer: los pensamientos no los generan las cosas externas, sino que se desprenden del principio viviente de dentro.

«so does the animal kingdom, including man, receive spiritual light and life from the Light which is the Love of the divine Mind, directed by Wisdom : and so Love is the Life, and Wisdom is the Organizer» — y la correspondencia con que la sostiene: como el vegetal recibe del sol luz y calor, el animal y el hombre reciben luz espiritual del Amor de la Mente divina dirigido por la Sabiduría.

«When we conceive of an organization, we are at once impressed with the existence of parts and qualities necessary to constitute such properly. The whole is composed of parts, and the parts are necessary to the whole; yet these do not of themselves constitute a perfect organization. For an arch may be composed of an indefinite number of stones, without which the arch could not exist» — define la organización por sus partes con la figura del arco, que no existiría sin las piedras y no es sin embargo las piedras.

«Thus man is an organization, not composed of a mutual agreement of parts through the indefinite workings of an impetuous Nature, but is rather the perfect form, the highest image, the designed organization, of the divine Mind that pervades immensity» — niega que el hombre resulte de un acuerdo mutuo de partes bajo una Naturaleza impetuosa y lo declara la organización designada de la Mente divina.

«he is a microcosm; he is a united Whole. He could not be so if there were not a use in the plan, or if there were not an end to be accomplished. He is therefore rendered a proper receptable of the spontaneous breathings of the Great Positive Mind, through Nature, by Wisdom, to form and individualize the immortal spirit to dwell in the world within» — repite la fórmula del microcosmo y hace del hombre el receptáculo propio de las emanaciones de la Gran Mente Positiva, para individualizar el espíritu inmortal que ha de morar en el mundo de dentro; la frase abre en la plana anterior y el tramo arranca tras el salto.

«But the object of the following descriptions will be to present to view the stream of mankind, from its origin, through its many circuitous courses, until each nation, as a branch of the original stream, has contributed to establish the general condition of the world in the nineteenth century. I commence, then, at the birthplace of the lowest types of mankind, and trace them through their various developments, until they form what may be termed a perfect Man of the present period» — el § 79 anuncia el plan del tramo histórico: seguir la corriente del género humano desde su origen hasta la condición del mundo en el siglo XIX.

«Asia, as all mythological traditions truly indicate, cradled the firstborn of the human species, and nourished them from the lowest stages of infant innocence to the period of the extension of their powers and faculties, and until the change of their local habitations to various other portions of the earth» — y sitúa en Asia la cuna del primogénito de la especie humana, como dice que indican con verdad todas las tradiciones mitológicas.

«In the beginning, there was existing in the interior of eastern Asia an association composed of the first human beings who dwelt upon the face of the earth. On a parallel with this family was subsequently located another one of similar type, but of a weaker and more effeminate nature; and they were not so large in stature, or so numerous, as were the former. These gradually became acquainted with each other by following out the inclinations of their constitution, which led them to seek association one with another» — describe dos familias primeras, una en el Asia oriental y otra de naturaleza más débil y afeminada, que llegaron a conocerse siguiendo las inclinaciones de su constitución.

«It will appear from research respecting the mammiferous species approaching to man, that there were originally two distinct moulds or forms of these, ascending at the same time nearly to the human type of organization» — y da su razón: hubo originalmente dos moldes distintos de las especies mamíferas próximas al hombre, ascendiendo a la vez casi al tipo humano.

«During the lapse of another century, two branches sprang from this family and flowed, the one into the lower portion of Asia now known as Egypt, and the other into the interior of Africa. In fifty years from this period, these offshoots grew into large families, and one of them ultimately grew into a powerful nation» — hace salir de esa familia dos ramas, una hacia lo que hoy es Egipto y otra al interior de África, y de una de ellas una nación poderosa.

«And about this period (that is, about one half a century from the time they became permanently located) the inhabitants that dwelt in Egypt rose against the other nation, in Africa, with all the vengeance of infuriated brutality, and warred with them until they destroyed nearly three fourths of their number, and dispersed the remaining few to various portions of the same continent» — consigna la primera guerra entre ramas de la misma familia, con tres cuartas partes de los africanos destruidos y el resto disperso.

«This battle is represented almost perfectly by the battle which was spoken of as being nearly consummated on the planet Mercury : for they fought with the same kind of implements (that is, sharply-hewn stones» — y la compara con la batalla que había descrito en Mercurio, librada con las mismas armas, piedras agudamente talladas.

«At this period they had advanced so far in civilized life that they constructed, in a most eccentric form, a beautiful city. They did not employ stones, but rather trees, which they arranged one above another against huge trees already matured. The tops of these they broke or bent to each other, and then thatched them in a singular manner; and thus they formed the roofs of their dwellings. In this manner did they construct residences of sufficient number to contain every person belonging to their nation; and this I am impressed was the first conception of architecture in the uncultivated minds of the original inhabitants» — el § 80 describe la primera ciudad, hecha de árboles arrimados a otros ya crecidos y techada de bálago, y la llama la primera concepción de la arquitectura.

«Meanwhile those that dwelt in Asia set about another voyage of discovery : at which time the Pacific ocean was unformed, which fact rendered it possible for them to pass from the eastern to the western hemisphere, or to gain safely the upper portions of America» — sitúa el paso de Asia a América cuando el Pacífico no estaba formado todavía.

«It has, however, been supposed that the aboriginal inhabitants of this continent must have crossed Behring’s straits : but this hypothesis requires no direct refutation, as it is evident that those who suggested it did this in endeavoring to conceive of the possibility of the migration of this people» — y niega la hipótesis del estrecho de Behring, que dice sugerida solo por el esfuerzo de concebir cómo pudo migrar ese pueblo.

«At this time became founded the cities of Herculaneum,* Yucatan, and a primary city near the site of Pompeii» — fecha la fundación de tres ciudades en ese siglo, entre ellas una anterior en el sitio de Pompeya; el tramo se corta antes de la llamada de nota.

«The speaker directs me here to say that these modern names of cities and territories are used simply to designate localities, and for the sake of distinction; but that no places of those names existed at the lime spoken of» — Fishbough consigna en nota, por indicación del hablante, que los nombres modernos de ciudades y territorios se usan solo para designar localidades y que ningún lugar de esos nombres existía entonces; el troceo imprime lime por time.

«But Pompeii as a great city, and her inhabitants as a great nation, yielded all their beauty, grandeur, and magnificence — ignorance, pride, and arrogance — to the annihilating hand of volcanic action. And by such agency she and her possessions were buried — the tops of the highest dwellings being covered to the thickness of many feet by the contents of a bursting crater» — describe la sepultura de esa ciudad bajo el contenido de un cráter reventado, con las casas más altas cubiertas por muchos pies de material.

«And it was in this portion of the world that the greatest ingenuity and refinement existed in the art of architecture and in various other ornamental and hieroglyphical arts that ever existed, either before the founding of these cities, or since that period» — adjudica a Yucatán la mayor refinación en arquitectura y en las artes jeroglíficas que dice haber existido antes o después.

«And at the consummation of the period which I have last mentioned, a distinguished and powerful tribe, detaching themselves from the southern nations, proceeded along the European continent, along Africa and Asia, and settled precisely where previously existed the Indo-Europeans, and on the portion that has been modernly termed Egypt» — sigue la ruta de una tribu poderosa por Europa, África y Asia hasta la porción que se llamó después Egipto.

«Egypt became founded, settled, and confirmed, as it was known to subsequent historians. From Egypt a branch or tribe sprang which settled Jerusalem and Jericho; and from these and Egypt sprang a colony which discovered Greece and founded and upbuilt a city. From Greece other portions of Europe were permanently peopled» — el § 81 encadena la genealogía de las naciones: de Egipto salen Jerusalén y Jericó, de estas y de Egipto una colonia que funda Grecia, y de Grecia el resto de Europa.

«At the close of the previous century, hieroglyphics became sufficiently perfect to shadow forth intelligibly the thing, substance, or thought, which the inhabitants desired to represent: and it was not before the close of the last century and the introduction of the present, that the records commenced from which the world has received any correct or definite information concerning the primitive inhabitants of the earth and their early history» — fecha en ese siglo el punto en que los jeroglíficos bastaron para representar la cosa o el pensamiento, y con ellos el arranque de los registros de los que el mundo recibe información definida.

«So, then, at the close of the century of which I have last spoken, we find the earth inhabited in this manner : An uncultivated and uncivilized tribe existed upon the western or American continent; two large and flourishing cities existed in the southern portion of the same continent, or in Central and South America, their dependencies comprehending the West Indies, upon which islands a few tribes are existing» — censa el poblamiento de la tierra a esa altura, con una tribu inculta en América del norte y dos ciudades florecientes en Centroamérica y Sudamérica.

«It was owing to the dissimilarity of constitutions as adapted to climate and food, to the difference in their habits and modes of life, to the difference in their degrees of advancement in science and architecture, to their different degrees and kinds of ambition, and to the general superficial development of their qualities, that the inhabitants of the whole earth became thus distributed» — adjudica la distribución de la especie a la disparidad de constituciones según el clima y el alimento, de hábitos, de adelanto en ciencia y arquitectura y de ambiciones.

«The traditional records of the primitive nations of Asia are among the first historical accounts we have of the original nations. And it is known that China possesses a record of the world which extends forty thousand years back of the nineteenth century» — consigna el registro chino que dice remontar cuarenta mil años antes del siglo XIX.

«But reliable historical information as concerning the arts and refinements of the primitive nations, and their mechanical and architectural knowledge, extends no further back than the peopling of Egypt» — y acota el alcance de lo fiable: no va más atrás del poblamiento de Egipto.

«But it was given me to know that South America and Mexico were inhabited many centuries before Spain became inhabited as known to historians» — declara recibido que Sudamérica y México estaban poblados muchos siglos antes que España, contra el orden que dan los historiadores.

«Then from Egypt sprang Greece; and from Greece many portions of Europe were settled; and from these, again, Rome, and also other cities within its once vast and extensive empire, became founded and inhabited» — cierra la cadena de fundaciones con Roma y las ciudades de su imperio, salidas de Grecia y esta de Egipto.

«but they left uncultivated all those high and lofty faculities from which arise the most sublime and truthful thoughts and sentiments, and which, if properly applied, would have redeemed the race from the then despotic dominions of external artificiality» — concede a Roma y a Grecia los logros mecánicos y arquitectónicos y les niega el cultivo de las facultades altas que las habrían redimido del dominio despótico; el troceo imprime faculities por faculties.

«It is unnecessary to mention the devastating wars, famines, and pestilences, and the desolating invasions by deception, fraud, and stratagem, that ultimately came upon each nation throughout the eastern hemisphere, arising from the uncultivated and barbarous dispositions which characterized the people of each nation, and which elevated the potentate of each to the highest degree of arrogance and selfishness» — el § 82 adjudica las guerras, hambres y pestes del hemisferio oriental a las disposiciones bárbaras de cada pueblo y a la arrogancia de sus potentados.

«There is an event now presented for description which will illustrate the character of those impetuous wars. After Judea had become peopled, the inhabitants, not possessing judgment sufficient to govern themselves, chose a presuming chieftain as their head, and placed him in their city to exert power and influence over the whole nation» — toma el caso de Judea para ilustrar esas guerras: un pueblo sin juicio para gobernarse que elige por cabeza a un caudillo presuntuoso.

«And so likewise Saul ascended the throne of Judea; and he assumed the character of a tyrannical king, and warred with the Jebusites in Palestine, which, after being dispersed, became mingled with other nations» — consigna a Saúl como rey tiránico que guerreó con los jebuseos en Palestina hasta dispersarlos entre otras naciones.

«And ultimately David usurped the throne, and changed the seat of government to Jerusalem, which had at this time grown into a beautiful and magnificent city. Here he, assisted by others, warred with the Syrians, Chaldeans, Amalek-ites, Edomites, Ammonites, and Persians, and succeeded in destroying the identity of some of these nations, and of those tribes that were existing along the borders of the Euphrates, and soon extended his kingdom from the Euphrates to the Mediterranean, and from the Phoenician territory to the Arabian gulf» — y a David usurpando el trono, mudando la sede a Jerusalén y guerreando con sirios, caldeos, amalecitas, edomitas, amonitas y persas hasta extender su reino del Éufrates al Mediterráneo; los nombres van tal cual los imprime el troceo.

«And when the people of England were governed by King Alfred the Great, the Danes or Normans rose against the Saxons with feelings of bitterness and persecuting hostility. And they succeeded in overpowering the Saxons, and held for a time the dominion over them» — pone junto al caso de Judea el de Inglaterra bajo Alfredo el Grande, con daneses o normandos alzados contra los sajones.

«The Saxons, when they were invaded, did not possess the art and implements of war in so high a state of perfection as did the Israelites when they fought against and subdued those neighboring nations» — y compara los dos casos por el grado del arte de la guerra: los sajones no lo tenían tan perfeccionado como los israelitas cuando sometieron a sus vecinos.

«A large portion of Asia has at different periods been in the possession of the Assyrians, Chaldeans, Persians, Mongols, Syrians, Tartars, and Turks» — censa las potencias que dominaron Asia en distintos periodos; los nombres van tal cual los imprime el troceo.

«crossed from Asia into America about the period that a tribe descended into the southern portions. This appears to have been about nine thousand years antecedent to this day» — el § 83 fecha el paso de Asia a América en unos nueve mil años antes de su propio día; la frase abre en la plana anterior y el tramo arranca tras el salto.

«And thus they dwelt, encouraging the spontaneous conceptions of a more truthful theology than existed among any other of the nations of the earth — deriving the same from the imposing grandeur, loveliness, beauty, and majesty, of all things in Nature, and from the magnificent stellar architecture under which they lived, and upon which they could gaze with wonder, awe, and adoration» — adjudica a los aborígenes de América una teología más veraz que la de ninguna otra nación, sacada de la grandeza de la Naturaleza y de la arquitectura estelar bajo la que vivían.

«I am impressed that they came nearer to a truthful conception concerning the higher spheres than the inhabitants of any other portion of the earth, in that or any other age or generation» — y los dice más cercanos a una concepción verdadera de las esferas superiores que los habitantes de cualquier otra parte de la tierra, en esa edad o en otra.

«But the European inhabitants, soon discovering that they could, by exercising their superior force and skill, obtain the crops and stores of food within their possession, rose up against the Indians and dispersed them to other portions of the land» — consigna el despojo: los europeos, al ver que por su fuerza y destreza podían tomar las cosechas, se alzaron contra los indios y los dispersaron.

«This incited for the first time within their breasts, the feeling of hostility, vengeance, and retaliation; and this impelled them to indefatigable perseverance in bloodshed and invasion. Many tribes thereby lost their identity» — y sitúa ahí el nacimiento de la hostilidad y la venganza en los aborígenes, con tribus enteras que perdieron su identidad.

«they fought against the unjust invasion of their own parent-country, and gained triumphantly the victory over potential despotism» — consigna la guerra de independencia como victoria sobre el despotismo de la propia madre patria; la frase abre en la plana anterior y el tramo arranca tras el salto.

«Who now can read with undisturbed feelings the records of the barbarous massacres, inhuman persecutions, and unnatural and corrupt conditions, that are contained in the history of every nation upon the face of the earth» — la serie de preguntas con que mide la historia de las naciones por sus masacres, persecuciones y condiciones corruptas.

«can you not now see the towering monuments erected from the materials of past history, to remind subsequent generations of the results of the misdirection of man’s faculties and the pollution of his internal possessions» — apostrofa al hombre para que vea los monumentos que la historia pasada levantó con la mala dirección de sus facultades; la frase abre en la plana anterior y el tramo arranca tras el salto.

«The germ of purity and goodness, of love and wisdom, of morality and happiness, is in man. Become instructed, therefore, concerning its existence and essential qualities, so that it may be caressed, fostered, and cultivated—so that it may send forth roots that will gather nourishment from the congenial elements around it» — y pone el germen de pureza, bondad, amor y sabiduría dentro del hombre mismo, para que sea cultivado y eche raíces.

«They have been properly classified into five distinct varieties, though it is not true that there are five types of the human family. For it can be demonstrated upon anatomical and physiological principles, that the human race as now existing, with all the diversified conditions and developments which distinguish its five classible varieties, has ascended from one original type» — el § 84 admite las cinco variedades recibidas y niega que haya cinco tipos: sostiene que toda la raza humana ascendió de un solo tipo original, y lo dice demostrable por anatomía y fisiología.

«The varieties of mankind have been classified in the following manner: First, the Caucasians, which extended from India into north Africa and into Europe (and hence are termed Indo-Europeans); secondly, the Mongolians, which exist in eastern Asia, extending also toward Africa; thirdly, the Malayans, which exist in India, Africa, and other portions of the eastern hemisphere, extending into the southern islands; fourthly, the Negroes, which are confined to Africa; and fifthly, the American Indians» — y da la clasificación en cinco con sus territorios, de los caucásicos a los indios americanos; los nombres van tal cual los imprime el troceo.

«For the Indians are red, the Malayans brown, the Mongolians yellow, the Negroes black, and the Caucasians white» — la lista de colores con que cierra esa clasificación, consignada tal cual la imprime el libro.

«It needs, however, but little argument to establish the common origin of these dissimilar colors. The original inhabitants were black; the subsequent nations were brown; the branches of these were red; from these sprang the yellow, and from these the white» — y la serie con que deriva todos los colores de uno solo: los primeros habitantes negros, después morenos, de estos los rojos, de estos los amarillos y de estos los blancos.

«Whatever facts, then, may have been observed in the Jalofs, Mandingoes, Caffers, and Albinoes, these can not possibly have any weight when brought against the universal testimony of Nature in her varied departments of natural development» — descarta los casos de nacimientos de color contrario como opuestos a toda ley del desarrollo, y los atribuye a una detención de la gestación; los nombres van tal cual los imprime el troceo.

«In the first place, let it be understood that conception never occurs unless there exist a mutual sympathy and a unity of purpose. This, then, is the first condition required for a proper impress of the human type, and for the production of a corresponding organization» — pone como primera condición de la concepción una simpatía mutua y unidad de propósito, de la que dice depender el impreso del tipo humano.

«But during the process of nearly two centuries, the complexion of the generation then existing became essentially modified, so much so that it was permanently brown, owing to the change of atmosphere, climate, food, and local conditions» — y hace depender el cambio de complexión del cambio de atmósfera, clima, alimento y condiciones locales, en el curso de cerca de dos siglos.

«The reason is now made manifest why the palaetiological sciences and the science of correspondences were introduced and dwelt upon in the Key. For it becomes now the office of these sciences to unfold the primitive physical condition of the race, and to illustrate its advancement and progress by correspondences and symbolic representations» — el § 85 declara para qué introdujo en la Clave las ciencias paletiológicas y la de las correspondencias: para desplegar la condición física primitiva de la raza y su progreso por correspondencias.

«The word language is derived from the Latin lingua, which signifies tongue. I am impressed, however, that this does not convey the essential idea of mental or vocal communication» — y objeta la etimología recibida de la palabra lenguaje, que dice no transmitir la idea esencial de la comunicación mental o vocal.

«Mankind began first to express their thoughts by the configurations of their countenances. When they loved, their countenance indicated a smile of pleasure approximating to a brilliant illumination. When their thoughts descended into things hidden from their senses and powers of comprehension, they would cast their eyes downward; and when they were elevated, they would cast their eyes upward» — describe la lengua primera del gesto y del rostro, con la mirada baja para lo oculto y alta para lo elevado.

«From this period the branch nations began to construct objects corresponding to the ideas they intended to impress. They formed figures and symbolical representations, to express in a distinct manner the general thoughts they conceived, making no effort as yet to use their vocal powers in expression» — y el paso siguiente: naciones ramas que construyen objetos y figuras simbólicas para imprimir sus ideas, sin usar todavía la voz.

«In order that these sounds might in all instances convey the same thought or idea, they endeavored to establish a rule by which each should be governed in his vocal expression» — pone el origen de los principios gramaticales en la necesidad de que un mismo sonido llevara siempre el mismo pensamiento.

«For an indefinite period after this time, symbolical and correspondential language remained unchanged among the inhabitants of the earth. There was no perceptible advancement in this for many centuries. But the next development of language was among the inhabitants of Spain and Asia» — sitúa el estancamiento del lenguaje simbólico por muchos siglos y el desarrollo siguiente entre los habitantes de España y de Asia.

«They also drew figures on smooth substances, which was the first suggestion of the art of painting. And they carried this to such a degree of perfection in Spain, that their representations might properly be termed picture-language» — y hace nacer la pintura del dibujo de figuras sobre superficies lisas, llevado en España hasta lo que llama lengua de imágenes.

«The inhabitants of China became more confirmed in the monosyllabic language of the southern nations than did any other people. They also expressed thoughts in the language of correspondences, or representations in the form of pictures and hieroglyphics. The Chinese have remained unchanged as to their manner of vocal communication» — adjudica a China la fijación de la lengua monosilábica de las naciones del sur y dice que los chinos han permanecido sin cambio en su modo de comunicación vocal.

«Thus from the impression of sounds, the orthography of the Greek language became established — which language was characterized by a form of synthetical expression unlike that of any other language, and was governed by entirely dissimilar grammatical rules. Nouns, verbs, and adjectives, by the ascending grammatical rule of the Greeks, were formed into syntax; and thus these became established as distinct parts of speech» — el § 86 hace nacer la ortografía del griego del impreso de los sonidos, y de su regla gramatical ascendente los nombres, verbos y adjetivos como partes distintas de la oración.

«Another distinct nation originated from their hereditary custom of verbal intercourse, another distinct language or style of expression. This was the Hebrew. Then followed in like manner the Latin» — y hace salir el hebreo del trato verbal hereditario de otra nación, y tras él el latín.

«These figures they subsequently abandoned for the successful invention of more minute characters, which, from an undeveloped intellect and imperfect faculties of individualization, they formed into compound expressions, which are exemplified in the present polysyllabic speech of the Indians» — explica el habla polisilábica de los indios por la acumulación de figuras diminutas en una expresión compuesta que lleva un solo pensamiento.

«Nevertheless, it was once supposed by some that the Greek was the first tongue spoken, as all the sacred writings originally in possession of the Jews were in the Greek» — consigna la suposición de que el griego fue la primera lengua hablada porque en griego estaban los escritos sagrados que poseían los judíos; el tramo se corta antes de la llamada de nota.

«The reader is requested to suspend his judgment in respect to this striking paradox until he peruses the sequel» — Fishbough pide en nota al lector que suspenda el juicio sobre esa paradoja hasta leer lo que sigue.

«It is plain, therefore, that language is an external, artificial invention, and is nothing more than a hieroglyphical mode of expressing sounds by compound signs» — declara el lenguaje una invención externa y artificial, un modo jeroglífico de expresar sonidos por signos compuestos.

«Verbal, physical, hieroglyphical expression, is external, superficial, deceptive, and injurious to the human race. The present languages and dialects of the various nations of the earth have arisen entirely as a consequence of the misdirection of the sentient faculties and of the judgment, which so unhappily befell the first-born of the human species» — y lo dice además dañino para la raza humana, surgido enteramente de la mala dirección de las facultades del primogénito de la especie.

«I would have all minds, the material senses of which will commune with the thoughts and principles set forth in these sayings, to understand properly the character of all my impressions. I would have the whole world apprehend me aright, so that they may view in their proper light the exposures which I give of all external, superficial, and chimerical sheathings of truths» — el § 87 pide que se entienda bien el carácter de sus impresiones y de las exposiciones que hace de las vainas externas y quiméricas de las verdades.

«But I am impressed with a knowledge of the interior and germinal history of each thing of which I speak. I descend, therefore, to the lowest points of the particular subjects on which I speak, and proceed in my descriptions according to the ascending developments of the same as necessarily flowing out of the germ, and which finally come within the scope of historical knowledge and actual experience» — declara el método que lo separa de todo historiador: dice tener impresión del interior y germinal de cada cosa y descender al punto más bajo para subir con el despliegue, hasta entrar en lo históricamente conocido.

«And, as was intimated in the Key, I am not impressed to descend into the particulars of any subject, inasmuch as “particulars are the unreal ramifications of general principles» — y remite otra vez a la Clave para desechar los particulares, que llama ramificaciones irreales de los principios generales.

«Such are the promptings of the interior impressions or directions which I receive. And whatever may be the likes or dislikes of any of the many persons who may peruse these sayings, these can not possibly have any influence upon the nature or expression of my impressions, which are demonstrated to me as real, and are consequently righteous» — Davis fija el estatuto de lo que dice: las simpatías o antipatías de quien lo lea no pueden influir en sus impresiones, que dice demostradas a él como reales.

«I have thus introductively prefaced my general remarks on hagaiography, bibliography, archaeology, and other dissimilar branches of theology, an unfolding of which subjects will require a direct appeal to the teachings of that science which I term Correspondences» — anuncia el tramo teológico, sobre hagiografía, bibliografía y arqueología, que dice exigirá apelar a la ciencia que llama Correspondencias; el troceo imprime hagaiography.

«But the subject itself is one that has sacrificed more human forms than it has ever benefited to the least extent. It is a subject that has disunited the thoughts, feelings, and affections, of children and parents, and breathed the elements of folly, imbecility, and superstition, into the bosom of families, associations, and of once-united and peaceful kingdoms» — y su juicio sobre la teología: dice que ha sacrificado más formas humanas de las que jamás benefició y que desunió a hijos y padres y a reinos antes unidos.

«This transgression has clothed the whole race with a mantle of sectarian bigotry, degrading ignorance, and judgment-revolting superstition» — encadena la transgresión con el manto de fanatismo sectario, ignorancia degradante y superstición que dice cubrir a la raza entera.

«Superstition has inspired chieftains with the spirit of tyranny and despotism, sustained potentates, elevated theological shepherds» — y adjudica a la superstición el espíritu de tiranía de los caudillos, el sostén de los potentados y la elevación de los pastores teológicos; el tramo se corta en el salto de plana.

«These men presented in their productions a heterogeneous mixture of about five parts error and three parts truth. Yet they felt a decided interest in the banishment of error, and in the upbuilding and advancement of truth and virtue. As this is a strong indication of innate goodness, it deserves proper admiration and sympathy from all who are engaged in the common work of reformation. Such was the character of the early reformers» — mide a los primeros reformadores en una proporción: cinco partes de error por tres de verdad, y aun así les concede interés decidido en desterrar el error y bondad innata.

«I now descend to the birth of mythological theology — which theology is at the present day obscuring the highest and purest principles of the internal nature of man, destroying all elements of true and natural morality, and absolutely driving men into every species of vice, folly, disunity of interests, and consequent wretchedness» — el § 88 anuncia el nacimiento de la teología mitológica y le adjudica oscurecer los principios más puros de la naturaleza interna del hombre y empujarlo al vicio y a la desunión.

«The word TJieos is a Greek word signifying the same as the Latin Deus, and is intended to represent, as may be discovered in the Zend Avesta of Zoroaster, the Supreme, moving Spirit that pervades the Universe, whom we call God» — analiza la palabra teología por su raíz griega y latina, y remite al Zend Avesta de Zoroastro para lo que esa voz representa, el Espíritu Supremo que mueve y penetra el Universo; el troceo imprime TJieos por Theos.

«For there never was a sound formed or a word uttered that could convey the least conception of that all-pervading Essence, that Great Spiritual Principle, that Great Positive, Omnipotent Mind, which dwells in the Vortex from which flow millions on millions of Suns, of Systems, of Universes, that extend out into undefinable space almost to the filling of space itself —and yet all constituting nothing more than an expression of one single Thought emanating from the inexhaustible Vortex of infinite Purity and Perfection» — y niega a toda palabra, incluida la que dice haber sido dirigido a emplear, la capacidad de transmitir concepción alguna del Principio Divino infinito.

«When the first inhabitants were in a youthful state (or when they were uninstructed concerning the principles governing their existence), their tender and uncultivated intellects rendered them susceptible to the direful influence of misunderstanding, and of consequent deception and disunity» — hace depender la susceptibilidad a la deception y a la desunión del estado juvenil e ininstruido de los primeros habitantes.

«But when they discovered their ability to produce vocal sounds, they took advantage of this discovery, and began communicating their thoughts in that manner : for they felt that it was novel, pleasing, and expedient. They soon lost their primitive habit of radiated expressions, and with it the perfect purity of their interior thoughts» — y repite la pérdida: al descubrir el sonido vocal perdieron el hábito primitivo de la expresión irradiada y con él la pureza de sus pensamientos interiores.

«and so one who was more intelligent than the rest began to proclaim a pretended discovery of the cause, and thus was looked upon by his extensive relations as an inspired chieftain. He had discovered (as he related to them with countenance becoming his assumed position) that the “breaths” (winds), which came from above, breathed among them a malignant element.—And this was the first conception of the origin of evil» — narra el nacimiento de la primera doctrina del mal: uno más inteligente que los demás proclama un descubrimiento fingido, que los vientos traían de arriba un elemento maligno, y queda por jefe inspirado; la frase abre en la plana anterior y el tramo arranca tras el salto.

«Not being acquainted with the disturbances constantly occurring in the equilibrium of the atmosphere, they consequently attributed the cause of these “breaths” to an unseen, undefinable evil spirit, which they supposed hovered over the whole landscape or disk on which they dwelt. They supposed the atmosphere to constitute this spirit» — y el segundo paso: al no conocer las perturbaciones del equilibrio atmosférico, atribuyeron esos alientos a un espíritu maligno invisible que suponían la atmósfera misma.

«the Sun was the face of an angry, unholy, and evil-disseminating being, and that he caused the atmosphere to breathe this evil into their minds» — el tercer paso, en que un filósofo les enseña por figuras jeroglíficas que el Sol era el rostro de un ser airado que hacía a la atmósfera soplar el mal; la frase abre antes y el tramo arranca tras el paréntesis.

«They built a large and massive edifice, with apartments constructed to his will, and elevated him to the highest seat in this temple, and he became the chieftain, prophet, emperor, and god, of all the nations and tribes within the circle of his influence» — y el desenlace: le levantan un templo y lo hacen caudillo, profeta, emperador y dios de todas las tribus bajo su influjo.

«And there is a passage which applies to them as appropriately as to the inhabitants of the earth at the present era, and which was uttered in contemplation of a similar condition, saying, “The priests bear rule, and the people love to have it so» — cierra con un pasaje profético sobre los sacerdotes que mandan y el pueblo que así lo quiere, y lo aplica igual a los habitantes de su propia era.

«And what is most remarkable is that their buildings represented their thoughts. In this manner were they instructed by correspondences in the history of previous families, and concerning the novel disclosures made by their supreme potentate» — el § 89 describe una ciudad que era escritura: los edificios representaban los pensamientos y por ellos se instruía a la gente en la historia y en las revelaciones de su potentado.

«Their lofty, aspiring temples corresponded, both in their interior and external structure, to the inconceivable and consuming vengeance of the Sun, which was the being they so much abhorred» — y sus templos como correspondencia de la venganza consumidora del Sol, el ser al que más aborrecían, rodeados de imágenes de bronce y cabezas de monstruos.

«This was the first of hieroglyphical language; for their cities were their history, school, and creed» — la fórmula con que resume ese estadio: las ciudades eran su historia, su escuela y su credo.

«At length their governor, finding it possible to conceive of the resting-place of the Sun their deity, began to improve on the long-established opinion, by putting forth a discovery which he professed to have made, that the Sun was merely a representative of an inconceivable fountain of fire which existed in the realms below the huge animal on whose back he said they dwelt» — narra el desplazamiento del mal del Sol a una fuente de fuego bajo el enorme animal sobre cuyo lomo decía el gobernante que vivían.

«First the wind, then the atmosphere, and finally the warmth and light of the sun, were charged with producing that which resulted merely from a disunity of the social interests and consequently of the feelings, affections, and intentions, of the first inhabitants of the earth» — resume la genealogía del mal en tres tiempos, viento, atmósfera y sol, y la devuelve a su causa: la desunión de los intereses y los afectos de los primeros habitantes.

«But the potentate, who was sufficiently shrewd and learned in the art of deception, discovered that this would be the inevitable result of such an exposure. And feeling that his power would diminish, that his influence would be lost, his government overthrown, and his empire ruined, he, impelled by a desire to prevent this misfortune, removed the source of evil to a place so low, so deep, and so obscure, that it was impossible, as he felt assured, for the deception to ever be discovered or exposed. And thus he succeeded in establishing a sublime chimera, the modified elements of which enter largely into the theological opinions of the present day» — y adjudica al potentado el cálculo: alejó la fuente del mal a un lugar tan bajo y oscuro que el engaño no pudiera exponerse, y con eso, dice, quedó establecida una quimera cuyos elementos modificados entran todavía en la teología de su tiempo.

«It will be remembered that the primitive family dwelt in Asia, and that from their minds sprang the unreal conception of the origin of evil. And I will now relate the progress of that mis-impression among the eastern tribes and nations» — el § 90 vuelve a Asia para seguir el progreso de esa misma equivocación entre las tribus orientales.

«Three tribes dwelt in Asia, respectively on the locations now occupied by the Japanese, Malayans, and Indo-Persians. The first of these tribes journeyed in the direction of the African continent, and soon discovered a beautiful valley, which has since been named Shinar» — sitúa tres tribus asiáticas y su reunión en un valle que dice llamado después Sinar, con nota del escriba que remite a Génesis xi.

«It would be well to mention that the Chinese of the present day display the perfection of all the delicate, eccentric, and fantastic inventions such as were first the work of these people» — hace descender de las manufacturas de ese pueblo la perfección de las invenciones delicadas y fantásticas que adjudica a los chinos de hoy.

«The great spirit formed this ground, and these many things about us, and the many gods above us and their grounds, and the grounds that extend further than the great spirit can see. This spirit was then, while in the waters, asleep. And they called him Paramo» — consigna la cosmogonía que ese maestro enseñó, con el gran espíritu dormido en las aguas al que llamaban Paramo; el nombre va tal cual lo imprime el troceo.

«But when he desired to have some living objects to worship him, he awoke from his repose, and breathed forth a spirit throughout all the waters, and the waters moved from their great depths. And this spirit which moved the waters was called Narasayana» — y el espíritu que al despertar mueve las aguas, llamado Narasayana, con la glosa que el propio texto da de nar como agua y sayana como poder de mover.

«In the depths of the waters, he taught them, was created a great egg. This, by the moving of the waters, finally expanded, unfolded its contents, and formed instantaneously the ground upon which they lived. Thus, he taught them, the world was created» — cierra esa cosmogonía con el huevo creado en lo hondo de las aguas, que al expandirse formó el suelo donde vivían.

«Have not ingenious and designing men appealed to the mythological gods of their respective nations» — la pregunta con que liga la teología al poder: los hombres diestros y maquinadores apelando a los dioses mitológicos de su nación para santificar gobiernos despóticos; el tramo se corta en el salto de plana.

«The spirit which proceeded from Parama (which was Vishnu) still remained near the earth, and was not so good a spirit as the one who sent him forth to create man. And the third spirit, or the spirit which dwelt in those “breaths,” was the most evil of them all, and was endeavoring to produce an eternal separation between the spirit that dwelt within man and the great spirit Parama» — completa la tríada de esa cosmogonía: Vishnu menos bueno que quien lo envió, y el espíritu de los alientos el más maligno, empeñado en separar para siempre al espíritu del hombre de Parama; los nombres van tal cual los imprime el troceo.

«I would request those who desire to be instructed concerning the truthfulness of this statement, to peruse the writings of subsequent and more matured, yet no less misdirected minds, such as Hesiod (whom Homer speaks of* extensively, and from whom he received many of his ambiguous and allegorical comparisons), Thales, Pythagoras, and also the Zend Avesta of Zoroaster, who received from the tradition of these nations the rudiments of his philosophy» — remite para comprobar su relato a Hesíodo, a Homero, a Tales, a Pitágoras y al Zend Avesta de Zoroastro, de quien dice que recibió de la tradición de esas naciones los rudimentos de su filosofía.

«When subsequently questioned concerning this passage, the author stated that Homer and Hesiod were contemporary, and that Hesiod collected traditions of the demonology of the ancients, and Homer poetized them» — Fishbough consigna en nota la aclaración que pidió al autor: que Homero y Hesíodo fueron contemporáneos, que Hesíodo recopiló las tradiciones de la demonología antigua y que Homero las poetizó.

«The great spirit recognised by the eastern tribe under the name of Parama (subsequently termed Brahma), is named by Zoroaster Ormuzd» — el § 91 traza la equivalencia entre panteones: el Parama de la tribu oriental, llamado después Brahma, es el Ormuzd de Zoroastro.

«These were the first or lower elohims; and the higher and superior ones were amshaspands, or angels that were permitted, on account of their being superior in goodness to the former ones, to ascend to the presence of Ormuzd» — describe la jerarquía de espíritus de ese sistema, con elohim inferiores y amshaspands admitidos a la presencia de Ormuzd.

«In contradistinction to this being, Zoroaster elevated the Vishnu and Narasayana spirit of the eastern theologian to a position as lofty and commanding as Ormuzd. Him he named Ahriman. He was an evil spirit, and an eternal hater of all goodness» — y el contrapeso: Zoroastro eleva al espíritu Vishnu y Narasayana del teólogo oriental a la altura de Ormuzd y lo nombra Ahrimán, aborrecedor eterno de todo bien.

«By the power of Ormuzd, the earth and man were made. By the power of Ahriman, the world and mankind were made sinful and disgusting in the sight of the good spirits : and he also prevented the spirit within man from being pure and good, as was desired by the good being. Zoroaster also conceived that these two beings, together with their mighty hosts, were engaged in a mighty war» — reparte las obras entre los dos: por Ormuzd la tierra y el hombre, por Ahrimán el mundo hecho pecaminoso, y los dos con sus huestes en una guerra poderosa.

«Peruse also the sayings of Xenophon, Socrates, and Plato, and learn from these the demonology of the primitive inhabitants of the earth» — y remite a Jenofonte, Sócrates y Platón para aprender de ellos la demonología de los primeros habitantes de la tierra.

«Error began with man—because of his innocent and uninstructed faculties; because he did not observe those conditions which were required for his happiness; and because he cultivated a deceptive artificiality instead of interior purity and refinement» — fija el comienzo del error en el hombre mismo, por facultades inocentes e ininstruidas y por haber cultivado una artificialidad engañosa en vez de la pureza interior.

«From these things it can be distinctly seen that the origin of evil was in the errors of human association, and not in those “winds,” spirits, gods, demons, or supreme potentates, whom man, from the beginning to this present time, has been falsely accusing» — y la conclusión con que cierra el tramo: el origen del mal estuvo en los errores de la asociación humana y no en los vientos, espíritus, dioses, demonios ni potentados a los que el hombre ha acusado en falso.

«And I am deeply impressed that the world should make their acknowledgment to the writer of the book of Genesis for conveying to them a distinct and truthful history of all early traditional theology and mythological impressions» — y la deuda que reconoce al libro del Génesis: haber transmitido al mundo una historia distinta y veraz de toda la teología tradicional temprana.

«it will be remembered that this chieftain proclaimed to his people that Parama dwelt in the great waters, and had there reposed for many ages : which corresponds to the passage in the “primitive history” which reads as follows : “And the earth was without form and void, and darkness was upon the face of the deep; and the spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters» — pone en paralelo el Parama dormido en las grandes aguas y el versículo del espíritu de Dios que se movía sobre la faz de las aguas; la frase abre antes y el tramo arranca tras el corte.

«was derived from the passage in the Sanscrit language, which reads, “And Brahma was within the great waters and was asleep;” the word “asleep” being rendered “darkness” in the other passage» — y hace derivar las tinieblas sobre la faz del abismo de un pasaje sánscrito en que Brahma dormía en las grandes aguas, con el dormir vertido en tinieblas.

«Moreover, this chieftain of the east retained the early impressions of the race, which came to him by tradition through the previous generations, in an imperfect manner. So having lost a part of the original impression concerning the condition of the early inhabitants, he related it in a modified form, as he received it, in the account of his deity» — explica la deformación: el caudillo oriental conservó imperfectamente la impresión heredada y la contó modificada en el relato de la creación de su deidad; el tramo se corta antes del genitivo.

«So God made man, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and man became a living soul.” This is rendered from the eastern mythology into the Sanscrit language in the following manner : “With the earth, man was formed; and the ‘breaths’ awoke him, and he was evil» — pone frente a frente el hombre hecho alma viviente del Génesis y la versión sánscrita en que los alientos lo despiertan y queda malo.

«According to previous description, these two tribes or families became located in separate places without knowing of each other’s existence. The people of one tribe being matured, strong, and gigantically constituted, were called by the eastern chieftain “their fathers.” These were in eastern Asia. And the other tribe was imperfectly-constituted and effeminate one; and they ultimately, as has been related, discovered the more-matured tribe, and the two became conjoined as one family» — vuelve a las dos tribus primeras, la madura llamada los padres y la afeminada que la halló, unidas en una sola familia de la que dice salir todas las impresiones tradicionales.

«So these traditional demonological impressions were preserved in characters up to the establishment of the Sanscrit language — were translated by some Germanic tribes* into the Greek — and those that were translated fell into the possession of the Jews — were compiled and transcribed into Hebrew — then were carried by a detached portion of a tribe into the Persianic kingdom — remained there for several centuries, until Zoroaster finally systematized the crude theology of the original manuscripts, and which was the prevailing theology among other nations as well as the Persians» — traza la ruta entera de esos manuscritos, del sánscrito al griego, al hebreo y al reino persa, donde Zoroastro sistematizó la teología cruda de los originales.

«At this time the Jews re-transcribed the contents of these manuscripts into their own language, and carried the same with them at the expiration of their term of bondage. Then the Greek received it from the Hebrew; and the Latin from the Greek; and the English from the Latin» — y cierra la cadena de traducciones: los judíos transcriben de nuevo en su lengua durante el cautiverio, y de ahí el griego, el latín y el inglés.

«the truthfulness it has preserved in the relation of oriental tradition, mythology, and theology, considering that it has been transferred from one generation to another; that some passages have been altered and others expunged; that there has been some imperfect compilation, and that so many interested persons have been engaged in handing it down in the manner described, to the subsequent generations» — pide respeto profundo por la historia primitiva justamente por lo que conservó, contando con que hubo pasajes alterados, otros suprimidos y compilaciones imperfectas; la frase abre en la plana anterior y el tramo arranca tras el salto.

«By those who depend upon superficial history for their knowledge, the deluge is believed to have been a universal submersion of the face of creation» — consigna la creencia de quienes se apoyan en la historia superficial: que el diluvio fue una sumersión universal de la faz de la creación.

«This term is taken from the Latin diluvio, to overflow, and diluvium, an inundation» — y da la etimología latina del término.

«These minds have discovered, according to the divine and ever-unchanging teachings of these principles, that a universal inundation was a physical impossibility : because the atmospheric envelope would not sustain watery vapor in sufficient quantity to cover the whole earth on its becoming condensed» — y su objeción física: la envoltura atmosférica no sostendría vapor bastante para cubrir la tierra entera al condensarse.

«Geological investigations also unfold evidence against such a possibility. Besides, there is no substantial reason why a universal deluge should occur. It would be unreasonable to suppose that Nature has put forth her efforts to produce the highest type of physical organization, which is Man, and this, too, by the operations of her immutable laws, her living, divine Essence, and by her unchanging obedience to the Great Positive Mind — and then, after having created all things, swept them out of existence» — y la moral: no cabe suponer que la Naturaleza produjera al hombre por sus leyes inmutables y luego lo barriera de la existencia.

«Make men love truth by causing their interests to correspond to truth, and then truth will be received by a natural influx from their superior situation. But leave men inferiorly conditioned as to their social and external affairs, and all their opinions will correspond precisely to the inferior state in which they are existing» — la regla con que trata al que cree distinto: hacer que los hombres amen la verdad haciendo que sus intereses correspondan a ella, porque en condición inferior las opiniones corresponden a esa condición.

«It was by the loss of the equilibrium between the interior and exterior forces that the molten contents of the centre of the earth became excited in an inconceivable manner. And as was the case in previous instances, the Andes, Vesuvius, and the many other relieving vents, were inadequate now to restore the equilibrium» — el § 94 describe la causa física del diluvio: perdido el equilibrio, los Andes, el Vesubio y los demás respiraderos ya no bastaban.

«It was mightier than the mightiest earthquake, and ‘louder than the loudest thunder. It burst forth, and the earth trembled to its centre. Fire, smoke, mist, and rain, surrounded the whole earth» — y su escala: más poderoso que el mayor terremoto, con fuego, humo, niebla y lluvia rodeando la tierra entera.

«The tribe which remained up to this time in the valley of Shinar, together with five small, detached tribes, were destroyed : but those that separated from the former, and located in China and Japan, remained unharmed» — consigna qué tribus perecieron y cuáles no: la del valle de Sinar y cinco pequeñas destruidas, las de China y Japón indemnes.

«Brahma seeing that the wickedness upon the earth was great, and the imaginations of the thoughts of their hearts were only evil continually, began to repent that he had directed Vishnu to create their forefathers and them. And seeing that the earth was filled with wickedness and abomination in the sight of Brahma, he said he would cause the great waters, of which he had made the ground and them, to sweep them off the face of the land» — pone en boca del jefe oriental la fórmula que el Génesis repetirá, con Brahma arrepentido de haber mandado crear a los hombres y resuelto a barrerlos con las grandes aguas.

«He instructed them to build a brazen image that would represent, as he said, the god of the Sun. The head of this being was very much like that of the unicorn, and the body like that of a fish; and they placed it within a stone tent, and every year visited it and offered up sacrifices» — describe la imagen de bronce con cabeza de unicornio y cuerpo de pez, puesta en una tienda de piedra y visitada cada año con sacrificios.

«But the person who was their governor and prophet, yet unnamed, was, by subsequent writers, named Fold. This may be verified in the Chinese record of the present day. And this person has been supposed by still more modern writers to be the Noah spoken of in the» — consigna que los escritores posteriores nombraron Fold a ese gobernante y que los modernos lo han supuesto el Noé de la historia primitiva; el nombre va tal cual lo imprime el troceo y el tramo se corta antes del entrecomillado.

«The Chaldeanic Persians, or the Japan tribe of which I have spoken, preserved in their mythology the whole account, with very little modification. But the father of the family who was permitted to live by Brahma, they named Xisuthrus» — y el mismo relato entre los persas caldaicos, donde al padre de la familia salvada lo llaman Xisuthrus.

«The sects known as the Budhists and Jaina preserved with great care the same traditional account, and the same ultimately became a portion of the Greek oriental history and theology: and in this the same being is named Deucalion» — nombra a los budistas y a los jainas como conservadores del mismo relato, pasado luego a la historia oriental griega, donde el mismo ser se llama Deucalión.

«And there were but few Indians who escaped the inundation, which was by them supposed to be universal; for they dwelt more upon the portions now covered by the Pacific than they did east of the present limits of that ocean. So they believed that they were the only tribes that were saved, and that they dwelt upon the only land in the earth, supposing that all other portions had sunk beneath the great waters» — el § 95 pasa a los aborígenes de América, pocos salvados y convencidos de ser las únicas tribus y de habitar la única tierra que quedaba.

«They were exceedingly fond of hunting, and this employment they supposed was right, or else their forefathers who followed it would not have dwelt in such a beautiful garden. So they invented instruments, and cultivated the disposition to roam and hunt through the wilds of the forest, and would pitch their bark tents wherever they pleased» — los describe cazadores por convicción heredada, con instrumentos propios y tiendas de corteza plantadas donde querían.

«Being thus socially united, they were not led to conceive of gross errors : for errors spring from social disunity and disorganization, and from a misapprehension of the cause of existing evil» — y adjudica su libertad de error a la unión social, porque los errores nacen, dice, de la desunión y de no entender la causa del mal.

«instead of this they supposed that they proceeded from a good spirit, who desired to fan their heated brows after they had toiled and travelled excessively» — consigna la vuelta de tuerca de los indios sobre la doctrina heredada: los alientos no eran malos, sino de un espíritu bueno que venía a refrescarles la frente tras la fatiga; la frase abre antes y el tramo arranca tras el corte.

«They believed that when they should lie down and die, the spirit of their eyes and tongue would convey the spirit that was within them to the beautiful habitations of the spirit-land» — describe su escatología: el espíritu de los ojos y de la lengua llevando al que muere a las moradas de la tierra de los espíritus.

«They felt conscious that the spirit-land was analogous to the one on which they dwelt, in all its productions, so that there they might hunt, adore the good spirits, and love one another; and it was therefore to them a land of transcendent beauty and grandeur» — y la tierra de los espíritus como análoga a esta en todas sus producciones, donde cazarían, adorarían y se amarían unos a otros.

«Here is the first instance, from the moment the human form first obtained an existence, in which human thought took a proper, truthful, and natural direction» — declara ese el primer caso, desde que hubo forma humana, en que el pensamiento tomó una dirección propia, veraz y natural.

«The Indians supposed that none but themselves were preserved upon the earth; and they believed that the spirit of the great waters had swallowed up their brethren because of their wickedness, and left them because they were good, and favored in the sight of the Good Spirit» — consigna su versión del diluvio: el espíritu de las grandes aguas se tragó a los hermanos por su maldad y los dejó a ellos por buenos.

«They named the chief existing among them at the time of this occurrence Sottavarata. This tradition, with a very little modification, has descended through the minds of every subsequent generation. And this person has been supposed by some modern chronological and biblical writers to be the Noah of the» — y el nombre de su jefe de entonces, Sottavarata, supuesto por algunos escritores bíblicos modernos el Noé de la historia primitiva; el tramo se corta antes del entrecomillado.

«And he entered into a covenant with this angry being (for the latter lamented that he had created so many tribes) to let that tribe and himself live, because it was necessary that the earth should be peopled by those who were as good as he and they were» — y la versión centroamericana, con un pacto hecho con el ser airado para dejar vivir a esa tribu porque hacía falta poblar la tierra con gente tan buena como ellos.

«And I find no absolute trace of a name until I trace these ideas into the manuscripts of which I have spoken, in the Jews’ possession : and there he is named Noah» — declara no hallar rastro de nombre hasta los manuscritos en poder de los judíos, donde ese caudillo se llama Noé.

«I have thus traced the Chinese mythology to the Greek—and the mythology of these southern tribes to the Jews; and I find the accounts in this manner : The good, saved, and favored, of the Chinese, were Fold and his family; of the Chaldeanic-Persians, Xisuthrus and his family; of the Greeks, Deucalion and his family. In the Indian mythology, the saved were Sottavarata and his family: and each believed that the whole world was drowned, with the exception of themselves. In the Jews’ manuscripts, I find that the saved were Noah and his family» — alinea los cinco relatos del salvado, Fold entre los chinos, Xisuthrus entre los persas caldaicos, Deucalión entre los griegos, Sottavarata entre los indios y Noé entre los judíos, cada nación creyendo ser la única salvada.

«And in the writings of modern commentators upon oriental and heathen mythology, these various traditions are generally referred to, to establish the truthfulness of the relation as contained in the “primitive history”—it being supposed that the account in the possession of each nation originated from one source, and from the actual, traditional experience of a man and family as is therein related. Such a supposition is not warrantable; for all the traditions that are in possession of the different nations can not be traced to one source» — y niega la inferencia de los comentaristas modernos, que usan esas tradiciones para probar el relato bíblico: dice que no todas pueden rastrearse a una sola fuente.

«In the Jewish record, the general account is as follows : “And the wickedness of man was great upon the earth, and the imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. And God repented that he had peopled the earth; — but Noah found favor in his sight» — resume el relato judío con el arrepentimiento de Dios y el favor hallado por Noé.

«In the Chinese mythology, or rather in that of the more recent tribes of that nation, the following account may be found : “And Brahma seeing the wickedness of the forefathers, did lament because they did not sacrifice their offerings, and began to lament that he had directed Vishnu and Narasayana to awake them from the depths of the great waters. But Fohi could speak with Brahma because of his goodness. And he directed Fold to journey to that high land and live. Then Vishnu broke up the bottom of the great deep, and opened the places above : and the great waters covered all the land, together with our forefathers, who were taken by the evil spirits» — y pone al lado el relato chino, con Brahma lamentando la falta de sacrificios y Vishnu rompiendo el fondo del gran abismo.

«And it is only an exaggerated and poetical representation of that which is substantially true : and for its truth the history demands the highest respect» — cierra el cotejo llamando al relato bíblico una representación exagerada y poética de algo sustancialmente verdadero, por cuya verdad, dice, la historia merece el mayor respeto.

«The first of these may be found in the early manuscripts of the “primitive history,” clothed in the following words : “And God said, Let us make man in our own image and likeness» — el § 96 toma la siguiente idea a rastrear, la del hombre hecho a imagen y semejanza.

«In endeavoring to establish preconceived opinions, men have severed the affectionate ties of congeniality, which should unite mankind as one vast brotherhood; and they have established a deep-seated impression that only breathes sectarian contention and local hostility» — y reprocha a los intérpretes haber roto los lazos que unirían a la humanidad en una fraternidad y haber sembrado contienda sectaria.

«They have not proceeded to investigate the interior origin of thoughts, of which words are merely sheaths; but they have presumed upon the divineness of the sheathings themselves, and warred against the teachings of judgment, of Nature, and of her Author» — les objeta haber presumido de la divinidad de las vainas mismas, que son las palabras, en vez de investigar el origen interior de los pensamientos.

«I am deeply impressed that volume after volume has been written upon this and similar subjects, without producing the least relief to a depressed and ignorant world» — declara que volumen tras volumen sobre estos asuntos no ha producido el menor alivio a un mundo deprimido e ignorante.

«The many theories of this nature that are in the world are external, interruptive, and unholy invasions upon the human affections and judgment. They are unprofitable and injurious to the race; they are local, isolated, sectarian, and entirely opposed to the highest good of every living creature» — y las califica de invasiones externas sobre los afectos y el juicio, locales, sectarias y opuestas al bien más alto de toda criatura viviente.

«The tribes that had become consociated in the valley of Shinar, according to previous description, received the early impression of their forefathers concerning the creation, and also the improvements that were made upon it by their supposed inspired chieftain. In his cosmogony, he called to his assistance from the depths of the water, the deity of whom I have spoken, subsequently named Parama, Vishnu, and Siva» — vuelve al valle de Sinar para rastrear ahí la concepción de tres espíritus que después se llamaron Parama, Vishnu y Siva.

«Then he supposed that the spirit Siva was the cause of those “breaths” which inspired the bosoms of themselves and their elder brethren with envy, hatred, and deception. Here, then, originated the thought which has clothed itself in the word Trinity» — y sitúa en esa tríada el origen del pensamiento que después se vistió con la palabra Trinidad.

«I do not discover any essential change in this part of the oriental mythology for many centuries; and it ultimately fell into the possession of the Persianic tribes, who preserved it until Zoroaster systematized it and other existing traditions, in his Zend Avesta. He changed the deities into the characters of Ormuzd, Amshaspands, and inferior spirits. Thus he formed from the three, a trinity of good, celestial, and holy spirits, among which was Ormuzd supreme» — sigue esa tríada hasta las tribus persas y hasta el Zend Avesta, donde Zoroastro la vuelve una trinidad de espíritus buenos con Ormuzd supremo.

«Thus Zoroaster presented the trinity in a new form; and from this it was transplanted into the Jewish manuscripts, in the brief and comprehensive expression which reads, “And God said, Let us make man in our own image» — y de ahí la hace pasar a los manuscritos judíos en el hagamos al hombre a nuestra imagen, y después a Padre, Hijo y Espíritu.

«have suggested to a most exalted intellect* a conception in which, after spiritual research and investigation, he became confirmed; and the general features of his impressions were correct» — el § 97 concede que la expresión de la imagen y la semejanza sugirió a un intelecto muy elevado, que la nota del escriba identifica como Swedenborg, una concepción cuyos rasgos generales dice correctos.

«Therefore to give an internal signification to a passage which the external of the same does not indicate, is indeed to fabricate that which is unreal and absolutely unprofitable» — y fija la regla con que juzga toda exégesis: dar sentido interno a un pasaje que su externo no indica es fabricar lo irreal.

«So while I am deeply impressed to venerate the truthfulness of those historical traditions, I am at the same time impressed to expose and discard all untrue theological interpretations, and all unreal and unholy pretensions» — y separa las dos cosas: venerar la veracidad de esas tradiciones históricas y desechar toda interpretación teológica falsa y toda pretensión irreal.

«The next in the class of ideas the origin of which is to be traced, is the traditional opinion concerning Cain and Abel» — anuncia el rastreo de la tradición de Caín y Abel.

«The younger and weaker tribe (which was Abel) corresponded to light, purity, and innocence. Cain (which was the stronger and grosser nation) corresponded to darkness, wickedness, and abomination» — y la clave de correspondencia: la tribu menor y más débil, Abel, como luz, pureza e inocencia, y la más fuerte y grosera, Caín, como tinieblas, maldad y abominación.

«And from the forefathers sprang two children, whose names were Osiris and Typhon. Osiris was a good and gentle brother, and was loved by Brahma. Typhon was a strong brother, and cultivated the things of the earth. For Typhon is the child of darkness which was over all and for ever : but Osiris was a child of light, because light was permitted by Vishnu the good spirit» — cita la versión egipcia de esa misma tradición, con Osiris hijo de la luz y Tifón hijo de las tinieblas.

«I find that this was admitted into other manuscripts, and appeared among the Chaldeanic writings. Afterward it was transcribed into Greek, and ultimately into the Hebrew oracles and manuscripts; and through this medium it was conveyed to subsequent generations who admitted it into the “primitive history and in this the characters are named Cain and Abel» — y sigue su paso por los escritos caldeos, el griego y los oráculos hebreos hasta la historia primitiva, donde los personajes se llaman Caín y Abel.

«The next idea to be analyzed and traced to its origin is concerning the seven days that are represented as elapsing during the formation of the earth and all things therein, the seventh day being spoken of as smiling on the consummation of the grand work, and giving rest to Brahma, who blessed it» — el § 98 pasa a los siete días de la creación y al séptimo que da descanso a Brahma.

«The first inhabitants knew well when to expect darkness, by the periodical recession of the sun behind the western lands. They also knew when to expect light, by the illumination of the eastern hills» — y arranca su explicación en la astronomía más simple: el saber cuándo esperar la oscuridad y cuándo la luz por el sol que se retira y por los cerros del oriente que se iluminan.

«until they discovered a new and valuable truth— that the moon was made and destroyed twelve times while the sun was passing once through the circle of the zodiac. This established in their minds the first idea of a year with its subdivisions» — fecha en la cuenta de doce lunas por vuelta del sol al zodiaco la primera idea del año con sus subdivisiones; la frase abre en la plana anterior y el tramo arranca tras el salto.

«until their faculties of discernment became improved and they discovered that the moon was large, diminished, half destroyed, nearly destroyed, entirely annihilated, at regular periods, which were afterward found to be just seven days and nine hours» — y en las fases de la luna, medidas en siete días y nueve horas, la concepción de la semana.

«And Sunday is a name of more recent date, and was instituted by the Danes, adopted by the Saxons, and transplanted to the English language» — da la etimología del domingo por el danés y el sajón, como día del sol.

«And Tuesday received its name from the god Tuisco; and Wednesday from the god Wednos; and Thursday from the god Thursco: and the remaining days were in like manner allegorically named» — y la de los demás días por los dioses Tuisco, Wednos y Thursco; los nombres van tal cual los imprime el troceo.

«And as the seventh day was the last, or the great Sun-day, it was looked upon by the Jews as being of divine origin. And they imbibed the impression that the light on that day was peculiarly pure and serene. So six days were observed as times for labor, and the seventh was appropriated to rest—as had reposed the good spirit Parama, after he had finished the creation of the world and man, according to oriental mythology» — explica el sábado judío por ese mismo camino: el séptimo día tenido por de origen divino y apartado para el descanso, como había reposado Parama tras la creación.

«But I was impressed in describing the geological epochs of the creation of the globe, and of the plants and animals, to use the expression “evening and morning,” &c., because the correspondence between the expression and the physical reality was complete» — y justifica su propio uso de la fórmula de la tarde y la mañana en las épocas geológicas, por ser completa la correspondencia entre la expresión y la realidad física.

«for it appears that the early tribes counted their fingers, which were for a long time their only arithmetic» — explica el sistema decimal universal por los dedos, que dice fueron mucho tiempo la única aritmética.

«The Vedas compose the first part of the Shaster — which signifies and represents life, light, truth, fire, wit, law, ordinance, and celestial knowledge» — describe el Shaster en dos partes y da el campo semántico que adjudica a la primera: vida, luz, verdad, fuego, ingenio, ley, ordenanza y conocimiento celeste; nota del escriba lo llama la Biblia hindú.

«For a clearer idea of the character of these Orphic hymns, it would be well to read the Psalms, and the book of Job, as these were an imitation of the Orphic hymns of the Shaster, which were in manuscript among the Egyptians and Chaldeanic-Persians» — y remite a los Salmos y al libro de Job, que dice imitación de los himnos órficos del Shaster.

«This Brama was a lawgiver among the ancient Hindoos, and the founder of the sacerdotal order known as Brahmins. So said the author in an incidental remark» — Fishbough consigna en nota, por observación incidental del autor, que Brama fue legislador entre los antiguos hindúes y fundador del orden sacerdotal de los brahmanes.

«Zoroaster now lived, and was the Persian lawgiver. He wrote the Zend Avesta, which he said was a gift from the gods : and the people believed that this was given to Zoroaster, as the Brahmin believes of the Shaster, by a communication with the Deity» — pone a Zoroastro como legislador persa y al Zend Avesta como don de los dioses, creído por su pueblo igual que el brahmán cree del Shaster.

«The Jews also believed that the knowledge and direction received by Moses, their lawgiver, was directly from the Deity. So likewise the followers of Mohammed supposed that the Koran was written in» — alinea a Moisés entre los judíos y a Mahoma entre sus seguidores en la misma creencia de una instrucción recibida directamente de la Deidad; el tramo se corta en el salto de plana.

«And I feel deeply impressed that the inhabitants of the earth at the present day are not generally any better informed concerning the origin of language than were the early tribes of China, Egypt, and Hindostan. For they are believing, like the Brahmin, the Egyptian, the Chaldean, the Persian, the Jew, and the Greek, that language was communicated to the forefathers by the Deity himself» — y aplica el juicio a su propio tiempo: dice a los habitantes de hoy no mejor informados sobre el origen de la lengua que las tribus tempranas de China, Egipto e Indostán.

«Suspend your preconceived opinions, and ask the more interior and rational element of your being whether language is of celestial origin, or whether it does not naturally unfold itself, commencing in a rudimental form in the animal kingdom, and being perfectly developed by man» — y les pone la pregunta de si la lengua es de origen celeste o se despliega por sí, rudimentaria en el reino animal y perfecta en el hombre.

«Among other superficial things, language is existing; and as its effects are manifestly imperfect, it is evident that it must have originated from a source correspondingly imperfect» — y cierra por el efecto: si los efectos de la lengua son imperfectos, imperfecta ha de ser la fuente de que salió.

«This belief existed in a similar form among all the tribes of the east up to the time of Zoroaster, who established in the world a belief in two antagonistic, eternal, unconquerable deities : one the god of evil, and the other the god of goodness» — el § 100 rastrea el origen del mal hasta Zoroastro, a quien adjudica haber establecido en el mundo la creencia en dos deidades eternas e inconquistables, una del mal y otra del bien.

«The Jewish rabbinical writers are no more free from these mythological imaginations : for they adopted the Persianic opinion and put it forth in their writings. Hence the origin of the passage in the “primitive history” which speaks of the appearance of an evil spirit in the form of a serpent in the garden of Eden, and asserts that the woman, being gentle and unsophisticated, became deceived thereby, and was induced to partake of the fruit of the tree of evil; that she transmitted the forbidden fruit to her associate Adam» — y hace derivar de esa opinión persa el pasaje del espíritu maligno en forma de serpiente en el jardín del Edén, con la mujer engañada y el fruto pasado a Adán.

«They represented the Deity as placing before the youthful minds of the first pair an irresistible temptation, without giving them constitutional strength to resist its captivating influence» — objeta a esos escritores haber representado a la Deidad poniendo ante los primeros una tentación irresistible sin darles fuerza constitucional para resistirla.

«This is a comprehensive description of the contents of the Zend Avesta of Zoroaster, and does not much transcend the mythology of the first oriental and heathen tribes» — y resuelve el relato del Edén en una descripción del contenido del Zend Avesta, que dice no exceder mucho la mitología de las primeras tribus.

«is only another name for Zoroaster’s deevs; and deevs is another name for “breaths.” In the English version the same is expressed by the words darkness, death, sin, devil, Satan, and evil» — iguala la palabra diablo a los deevs de Zoroastro y estos a los alientos, y los enumera con los nombres que la versión inglesa les da; la frase abre antes y el tramo arranca tras el corte.

«Therefore there is no such thing in existence as natural death: for an exchange of particles from one form of life to another, is nothing more than the necessary requirement of every organized substance in being. So what is called natural death, is not death, but a mere change of organization» — niega la muerte natural: lo que así se llama es un intercambio de partículas de una forma de vida a otra y un mero cambio de organización.

«The innate divineness of the spirit of man prohibits the possibility of spiritual wickedness or unrighteousness» — y niega la maldad espiritual, por la divinidad innata del espíritu del hombre.

«Morality, then, is a consequence of the unchanging divinity of the spirit, and is as undying as the immutable laws that govern all subordinate organizations. “Moral death” is therefore a manufactured expression, meaning nothing» — hace de la moralidad una consecuencia de esa divinidad inmutable y llama a la muerte moral una expresión fabricada que nada significa.

«Retrogression is a word, like death, having no meaning. Everything is unfolding life and beauty, according to the law of progressive and eternal development» — y niega igualmente la retrogresión, porque todo despliega vida y belleza según la ley del desarrollo progresivo y eterno.

«I now proceed to consider the origin of the ideas concerning oracles and prophets, as these are spoken of in the “primitive history,” and understood by the theological writers of modern days» — el § 101 pasa al origen de las ideas sobre oráculos y profetas tal como las entienden los escritores teológicos modernos.

«The reasoning faculties of the early inhabitants were for many ages uncultivated, undisciplined, and undeveloped; while their powers of imagination and love of the marvellous were highly susceptible of influence, and consequently became very prolific» — y lo funda en el desequilibrio de sus facultades: la razón sin cultivo y la imaginación y el gusto por lo maravilloso muy susceptibles y por eso prolíficos.

«Thus, among the primitive family, as has been stated, one whose organization qualified him for the office of a governor and admonisher, conceived that the cause of the disunity and contention existing among them was the influence of the evil spirits of the “breaths.” He believed that he received this information through the medium of an impressive dream» — narra el origen del oficio profético en un hombre apto para gobernar que creyó recibir por un sueño impresionante la causa de la desunión.

«Dreaming, then, was believed to be the medium of celestial intercourse and communication. And whoever dreamed an important dream was called upon to relate the same, and this was then interpreted by their governor» — y de ahí el sueño tenido por medio de trato celeste, con el gobernante como intérprete de todo sueño importante.

«The flight of huge birds they believed to portend evil, and this was to be in accordance with the direction, manner, height, and distance, of their flight» — consigna la augurología de esas tribus, con el vuelo de las aves grandes leído por dirección, manera, altura y distancia.

«For many ages this mode of interpretating physical appearances continued; and it would be proper to consider this as the age of imagination» — y nombra ese tramo de la historia la edad de la imaginación; el troceo imprime interpretating por interpreting.

«The persons who claimed to be in possession of these peculiar powers were not deceiving, but were deceived, concerning the extent of their knowledge, and the reliableness of their imaginative impressions» — exime de mala fe a los que decían tener esos poderes: dice que no engañaban, sino que estaban engañados sobre el alcance de su conocimiento.

«Subsequently many prophets arose among the Persians, Chinese, Chaldeans, and Egyptians, who recorded their pretended communications with the deities upon impressible substances, and these were safely preserved for the sake of their divine and celestial contents. This state of things continued for many ages, and may properly be termed the era of oracles» — y nombra era de los oráculos al periodo en que los profetas registraron sus supuestas comunicaciones con las deidades sobre sustancias impresionables.

«And it was at this time that the Egyptians and other eastern tribes discovered the power and art of inducing abnormalness, by various gestures and manipulations. Persons who were very susceptible of being thus influenced, were selected and brought into the presence of the king’s counsellors, who would affect them physically, and make them appear as if dead—inducing the sleep which they supposed was necessary in order that they might have direct intercourse with, and receive advice from, the deities» — consigna una antigüedad para el procedimiento del propio libro: egipcios y otras tribus orientales que inducían la anormalidad por gestos y manipulaciones, poniendo al sujeto como muerto para tener el sueño cuando quisieran.

«For the visions and conceptions of the persons in that condition were unreal and unprofitable, because these persons were improperly used; and thus the power and sympathy (which were real) were made the agents of perpetual deception» — y niega valor a lo obtenido así, no por falso el poder sino por mal empleado: dice que el poder y la simpatía eran reales y se volvieron agentes de engaño perpetuo.

«And it is well to remark that the urim and thummim among the Egyptians was nothing more than a modified medium of obtaining knowledge of the future, and was thus a means of sustaining those whose lives and talents were spent in the occupation of prophecy» — reduce el urim y el tumim de los egipcios a un medio modificado de obtener conocimiento del porvenir y de sostener a los que vivían del oficio de profetizar.

«Not understanding that light possessed the property of refraction and of resolving itself into different colors when subjected to certain conditions, they conceived that the rainbow was the expression by the Deity of a promise that the land should not again be overflown with water. So they looked upon the rainbow as an unfailing indication and everlasting promise that the race should never again be drowned» — explica el arco iris del pacto por el desconocimiento de la refracción de la luz, y lo deja en fenómeno meteórico sin significación.

«It is well to mention that the book of Genesis was written by the Jews in Persia» — el § 92 sitúa la escritura del libro del Génesis entre los judíos en Persia; el tramo se corta antes de la llamada de nota que data ahí el cautiverio.

«And the accounts therein contained are exceedingly truthful, as they present a general reflection of the theology of the Persians as received from traditional history and systematized by Zoroaster» — y declara sus relatos sumamente veraces, como reflejo general de la teología de los persas recibida de la historia tradicional y sistematizada por Zoroastro.

«And about three days elapsed before the equilibrium was restored — at the end of which time the northern portions being elevated, and other portions depressed, the water rushed from the former regions» — cifra en unos tres días el restablecimiento del equilibrio, con las porciones del norte elevadas y otras hundidas; el tramo se corta en el salto de plana.

«and the milky way, which they supposed were the habitations of spirits, the number of which they represented as being thirty-three thousand, each one of these being a god to its respective sphere or planet» — describe el culto que de ahí sale, con los astros como moradas de espíritus cifrados en treinta y tres mil, cada uno dios de su esfera; la frase abre en la plana anterior y el tramo arranca tras el salto.

«but they were classified and divided by Zoroaster into plurals. And they were comprehensively expressed in the primitive, Jewish transcript, according to the original conception» — consigna el paso de personajes singulares a plurales en Zoroastro y la vuelta al singular en el transcripto judío primitivo; la frase abre en la plana anterior y el tramo arranca tras el salto.

«impossible to find in these words, as originally employed in the “primitive history,” one particle of spiritual signification. It is not true that he, with all his enlightenment, unfolded an interior truth as expressed in these primitive sayings. Instead of this, he unfolded a stupendous correspondence» — niega a Swedenborg haber desplegado una verdad interior de esas palabras: dice que desplegó una correspondencia estupenda, no desde el interior de ellas sino desde sus sugerencias externas; la frase abre en la plana anterior y el tramo arranca tras el salto.

«flood, and of the customs, manners, dispositions, and movements, of subsequent nations; of the repopulation of the earth, and the distribution of the early tribes; of their leaders, chieftains, prophets, kings, and emperors. It professes to give the history of wars; of the subjugation and captivity of tribes; of the upbuilding and downfall of kingdoms and empires; of the vice, misery, and imaginations, of many nations of the earth» — enumera lo que la historia primitiva declara ser: historia de costumbres y movimientos de naciones, de la repoblación de la tierra, de guerras, cautiverios y caídas de imperios; la frase abre en la plana anterior y el tramo arranca tras el salto.

«But succeeding generations, discovering that this faculty had produced a disunion among their forefathers, believed, according to the tradition transmitted from their previous brethren, that the “breaths” were evil spirits, and had given to the world one language and one speech so that they might deceive and dislike one another» — el § 99 rastrea la idea de que la lengua es un don: las generaciones siguientes creyeron que los alientos, tenidos por espíritus malignos, dieron al mundo una sola lengua para que se engañaran unos a otros.

«I find the next development of this idea (which is strictly mythological) among the Chinese, Chaldeans, Brahmins, and other Hindostanic tribes. They believe that the Vedas and Brahmanas in their possession are sacred oracles» — y sitúa el desarrollo siguiente entre chinos, caldeos, brahmanes y demás tribus indostánicas, que tienen por oráculos sagrados los Vedas y los Brahmanas.

«they should present truth in all its native simplicity, and leave error and all the depressing influences existing in the physical and mental world to themselves : for the best antidote for error is the presentation of truth» — la regla con que trata al error ajeno: presentar la verdad en su simplicidad nativa y dejar el error a sí mismo, porque el mejor antídoto del error es la presentación de la verdad.

«Another species of prophecy is also derived from the same source; and this is exemplified in the saying that “summer and winter, seedtime and harvest, shall never fail» — toma la promesa de que el verano y el invierno, la siembra y la siega no faltarán como ejemplo de otra especie de profecía.

«This prophecy, therefore, is true and perfectly natural, being the decision of a convinced judgment that that which is now and has been from time immemorial, will be perpetuated throughout eternity» — y la declara verdadera y natural por otra vía: es el fallo de un juicio convencido de que lo que es y ha sido desde tiempo inmemorial se perpetuará.

«But sheol, hades, tartarus, and gehenna, were originally used by them to express death, darkness, the grave, pain, wretchedness, and sepulchrous abodes» — devuelve a su sentido primero las cuatro palabras del infierno: muerte, tinieblas, sepulcro, dolor, desdicha y moradas sepulcrales.

«Prophets would consign, unbelieving and refractory persons to the hideous and dreadful valley of gehenna, and also to the pit, sepulchre, or hades» — y consigna el uso que los profetas les daban, mandando al valle de gehena o a la fosa a los incrédulos y a los rebeldes.

«All prophecies that are contained in the Primitive History are such as have been retained from the innumerable manuscripts of the ancient prophets, and which seemed to have a connexion with one another and with the doctrines which the Jews felt very anxious to sustain, so that the Gentiles might be entirely overcome by the influence of their preconceived mythology» — el § 103 explica la selección de las profecías bíblicas: se retuvieron las que tenían conexión entre sí y con las doctrinas que los judíos querían sostener.

«And the second part of the Bible, some of which has no connexion whatever with the primitive records, is also composed of a selection of manuscripts made by the councils of bishops convened at Nice and Laodicea» — y adjudica la segunda parte de la Biblia a una selección de manuscritos hecha por los concilios de obispos de Nicea y Laodicea.

«And from all of them the Jews copied extensively; and such writings as were in perfect unity with their own preconceived mythological theology, they preserved; and those that were not, were thrice rejected and consigned to the flames» — consigna el criterio de esa criba: se conservó lo que concordaba con la teología propia y lo demás fue tres veces rechazado y entregado a las llamas.

«The Jewish rabbins are well informed concerning the origin of the Talmud; the Mohammedans are well aware of the origin of the Koran; the Brahmins know the origin of the Shaster; the Persians know the origin of the Zend Avesta» — pone en fila a rabinos, musulmanes, brahmanes y persas, que sí conocen el origen de sus libros, frente a los teólogos modernos que dice ignorar el de la historia primitiva.

«For many centuries the Primitive History was uncondensed into its present form; and there were manuscripts collected sufficiently numerous to form a volume three times as large as the present book. Each of these was without name, but nearly all were written by different persons; and the periods at which they were written vary from six thousand to fifteen hundred years anterior to the present time» — cifra el material previo en un volumen tres veces mayor que el actual, escrito por manos distintas y datado entre seis mil y mil quinientos años antes de su tiempo.

«This collection remained unchanged for nearly one century and a half—after which a new revision occurred, which resulted in a rejection of some of the then-existing manuscripts, and also in the division of those which were retained, into books. These were subsequently divided into chapters, each book being named according to the person who was supposed to have written the manuscript. Chapters were subsequently divided into verses; but all these divisions are the work of recent date» — describe la revisión que dividió los escritos en libros nombrados por su supuesto autor, y después en capítulos y versículos, divisiones que dice de fecha reciente.

«And in some passages in the Old Testament which seem to be prophetical, and appear to correspond to that which actually did occur, the compilers occasionally changed the tense, to make the prophecy appear more definite» — y acusa a los compiladores de haber cambiado el tiempo verbal en pasajes que parecen proféticos para hacerlos más definidos.

«The origin of oracles and prophets is, then, plainly understood. They are an effect of ignorance, and uncultivated judgment, and imagination» — y cierra el tramo dejando oráculos y profetas como efecto de la ignorancia, del juicio sin cultivo y de la imaginación.

«Therefore their prophecies were unreal, even if the thing foretold occurred : for there was not and could not be any connexion between the occurrence and its representative» — y la consecuencia: aunque lo predicho ocurriera, la profecía era irreal, porque no había ni podía haber conexión entre el suceso y su representante.

«To prophesy or foretell truly an event, the person must be in communion with the original design of the Divine Creator, and with the laws which are fulfilling design. The mind, in correctly apprehending these, is enabled to foretell occurrences throughout eternity» — pone su propia condición de la profecía verdadera: estar en comunión con el designio original y con las leyes que lo cumplen.

«Prophecies are truly made concerning the movements of the planetary system, and concerning eclipses that are to occur; but there can be no sign to demonstrate the occurrence of an eclipse before it actually takes place : and when it occurs, it is its own external demonstration» — toma el eclipse como modelo de profecía verdadera: no hay signo que lo demuestre antes de ocurrir y, cuando ocurre, es su propia demostración.

«Moreover, it is impossible for any mind to be enlightened from the higher spheres concerning incidental, external circumstances; for all incidental and external circumstances are evanescent and changeable, connected with no design, produced by no interior cause, and governed by no general principles» — niega que desde las esferas superiores pueda iluminarse mente alguna sobre circunstancias externas incidentales, por evanescentes y sin designio.

«To definitely foretell war, an accident, or any incidental circumstance, is positively an impossibility; for it is not in the power of any internal and general principle to foreshadow to the mind a merely incidental circumstance» — y lo aplica sin excepción: predecir con precisión una guerra o un accidente es imposible, porque ningún principio interior puede prefigurar una circunstancia incidental.

«By immutable laws, I mean that universal tendency of all things, which can not by any possible means be interrupted, changed, or frustrated» — el § 105 define lo que entiende por leyes inmutables: la tendencia universal de todas las cosas que no puede interrumpirse, cambiarse ni frustrarse.

«By becoming acquainted with the interior and moving principles of Nature, we become acquainted with the elements of the Divine Mind, and also with the universal designs of the latter» — y su vía de acceso: conocer los principios interiores de la Naturaleza es conocer los elementos de la Mente divina y sus designios universales.

«if it is upon laws that the mind rests, effects and external manifestations may be prophesied with the utmost certainty, millions of years in advance» — y de ahí la profecía cierta con millones de años de anticipación, cuando la mente descansa en las leyes; la frase abre antes y el tramo arranca tras el corte.

«Therefore those things which I term unreal and superficial are circumstances which are created by prior and corresponding conditions, such as are within the power of mankind to produce, control, and annihilate» — define lo que llama irreal y superficial: circunstancias creadas por condiciones previas, que están en poder del hombre producir, controlar y aniquilar.

«But the truth is, Man has created these circumstances, and he has the power to remove them» — la fórmula con que devuelve al hombre la responsabilidad de esas circunstancias.

«Therefore I am deeply impressed with the truthfulness of the proposition, that it is absolutely impossible for any being, either in this or any higher sphere, to be instructed concerning evanescent contingencies, so as to foretell their occurrence with certainty» — declara imposible para cualquier ser, en esta esfera o en otra superior, ser instruido sobre contingencias evanescentes hasta predecirlas con certeza.

«The object of making these things plain, is to establish the probability of truthful prophecy, and to defend the Primitive History against the many false and imaginative interpretations that have been imposed upon it» — el § 106 declara su doble propósito: fijar la posibilidad de la profecía verdadera y defender la historia primitiva de las interpretaciones falsas que le han impuesto.

«For there are prophecies contained in the Primitive History that are true, divine, and righteous; and those who prophesied thus were instructed concerning the interior workings and tendencies of Nature, and proclaimed, upon the unchanging principles of cause and effect, many grand and holy truths — occurrences which will transpire — effects that will be accomplished. These men had their internal, thinking principles so expanded that they were able to recognise the interior workings of all divine law, and thus could with certainty proclaim great and glorious truths» — y salva una parte: hay profecías verdaderas, divinas y rectas, hechas por hombres instruidos en las tendencias interiores de la Naturaleza y que proclamaron sobre causa y efecto.

«There are very many interpolations, though these were not introduced with any evil intentions, but because the compilers seriously supposed that those additions should be made in order that the whole history might present a connected and comprehensive account of the things to which it contained allusions» — consigna muchas interpolaciones y las exime de mala intención: los compiladores las creyeron necesarias para que el conjunto diera una cuenta conectada.

«In answer to an inquiry, the author subsequently stated that this was a captivity of a small portion of one Jewish tribe, which occurred a long period before the Babylonish captivity, but of which we have no historical record» — Fishbough consigna en nota la respuesta del autor a una pregunta: que aquel cautiverio fue el de una porción pequeña de una tribu judía, muy anterior al de Babilonia y sin registro histórico.

«When those noble and enlightened intellects proclaimed that “an end shall be made of sin and transgression, and everlasting righteousness shall be brought in,” they were inspired with the grand and brilliant truth of a universal resurrection from all immorality and from all unnatural social conditions» — lee el fin del pecado y la justicia eterna de los profetas como una resurrección universal de toda inmoralidad y de toda condición social antinatural.

«And these things were proclaimed by all the pure and inspired prophets since the world of social disunity began—even the final restitution of all intelligent beings to primitive innocence and universal harmony» — y hace de la restitución final de todos los seres inteligentes a la inocencia primitiva el contenido común de todos los profetas puros.

«They foresaw that a great Exemplifier of the true moral and spiritual qualities of man would ultimately appear. They saw that he would, because of his superior qualifications, manifest all that purity and gentleness of disposition, and all that loving kindness and con-sociality, that would be to the world a type of social harmony and spiritual perfection» — consigna la previsión de un gran Ejemplificador de las cualidades morales y espirituales del hombre, tipo de armonía social y perfección espiritual para el mundo.

«They saw that in him would be developed all that high moral purity and spirituality which every human being possesses undeveloped. He was to be a simple type of spiritual goodness and perfect social qualification» — y lo acota: en él se desplegaría la pureza moral que todo ser humano posee sin desplegar, como tipo simple de bondad espiritual.

«They saw (what was spoken of in the Key) that Truth is a positive principle, and that Error is negative and superficial; and they saw that that which is positive and eternal must transcend and subdue that which is merely fleeting and superficial» — remite otra vez a la Clave para la pareja que ordena su lectura: la Verdad positiva y el Error negativo y superficial.

«I now proceed to consider another idea in the series, which is concerning the birth and use of that being who was the highest personification of virtue, purity, and goodness» — el § 107 anuncia el tramo sobre el nacimiento y el uso del ser que llama la personificación más alta de la virtud, la pureza y la bondad.

«It must be distinctly evident to every mind that man did not create himself, nor the vegetable and animal kingdoms : and also that he did not plan and execute the creation of the earth or solar system» — y abre con lo que el hombre no hizo: ni a sí mismo, ni los reinos vegetal y animal, ni la tierra ni el sistema solar.

«Nor is he competent to alter Truth by reposing confidence in its opposite. And while he is capable of believing or disbelieving, and exercising an affection for, pre-impressions and all ideas which he considers truth, Truth itself remains the same, and is not affected, either favorably or unfavorably, by the fleeting opinions of Man» — sostiene que la Verdad no se altera por creer en su contraria, y que las opiniones fugaces del hombre no la afectan ni a favor ni en contra.

«Truth is an element of the Divine Mind, and is developed by the wisdom, uniformity, and harmony, which characterize and render perfect all that is created. It is therefore of divine and celestial origin, and is made manifest to the mind of man by the manifold expression of Nature and the Universe» — define la Verdad como elemento de la Mente divina, desplegado por la sabiduría, la uniformidad y la armonía de lo creado.

«The early inhabitants of the earth conceived that they lived upon a flattened sphere, sustained by as many huge living monsters as imagination could well conceive» — vuelve a la tierra plana sostenida por monstruos como ejemplo de lo que la Verdad no deja de ser por creerse otra cosa.

«Many writers of the books of the Primitive History believed this conception most sincerely, and occasionally imbodied it, in poetical descriptions, in their sacred compositions» — consigna que muchos escritores de la historia primitiva creyeron esa concepción y la incorporaron en descripciones poéticas dentro de sus composiciones sagradas.

«until a well-known philosopher of modern times discovered those interior moving principles which were to his mind an incontestable demonstration that the earth and all kindred bodies revolved unceasingly in harmony around the sun, their parent» — y el caso con que lo cierra: un filósofo moderno descubre que la tierra y los cuerpos afines giran sin cesar en torno al sol; la frase abre antes y el tramo arranca tras el corte.

«The nations of the earth opposed him; for they had sacred oracles and prophets who taught a different doctrine. All the ecclesiastics and potentates of the land, incited by an unreal and superficial abhorrence of his heresy, opposed his efforts, and came near consigning him to the flames» — consigna la oposición de eclesiásticos y potentados, que estuvieron cerca de entregarlo a las llamas.

«It is well to remark that the earth revolved before any being believed it, and that a discovery of the fact did not make it any more true» — y la moraleja: la tierra giraba antes de que nadie lo creyera y el descubrimiento no la hizo más verdadera.

«Then while I am impressed to speak of the Primitive History with caution and gentleness, I am also impressed that it deserves no more veneration than do the teachings of many other good minds that have lived and written» — fija el rango que da al libro: cautela y suavidad al hablar de él, y no más veneración que la debida a otras buenas mentes que han vivido y escrito.

«The reason why I am impressed to speak concerning this “history” particularly, is, that there have arisen from its existence in the world, huge monuments of ignorance, superstition, and misapprehension. For this reason I have shown that some of its parts are compendiums of oriental mythology—Jewish, Egyptian, and Persianic poetry — and of the productions of the brilliant imaginations of minds uninformed» — el § 108 da su razón para detenerse en ese libro: los monumentos de ignorancia y superstición levantados a partir de él, y sus partes que dice compendios de mitología oriental y poesía judía, egipcia y persa.

«But the world clothes this history with more divinity than it itself claims, and thus shrouds the whole in a garment of gloom and impenetrable mysticism, which does violence to the judgment, and distorts the faculties of the mind from their natural condition and mode of action» — y su objeción central: el mundo viste esa historia de más divinidad de la que ella misma reclama y la envuelve en un misticismo impenetrable que violenta el juicio.

«But good men and deeds should be as much beloved out of those pages as in them. And no distinction of a superficial character should be established between any members, classes, or nations, of the human family» — pide amar los hombres y los hechos buenos igual fuera de esas páginas que dentro, sin distinción superficial entre miembros, clases ni naciones.

«Let what I am impressed to state, then, be received as true or rejected as false, according to its appeals to your judgments. And if what I relate is not true, it will not injure that which is truth» — somete lo suyo al juicio del lector y asegura que si lo que relata no es verdad, no dañará a lo que sí lo es.

«Those who are strenuous to defend the sayings contained in that book are persons who have an affection for early impressions, more than they have for progressive discoveries in the unexplored labyrinths of wisdom and righteousness» — describe a sus defensores como personas con más afecto por las impresiones tempranas que por los descubrimientos progresivos.

«But remember that the earth continued to revolve, though the fact was wholly disbelieved by mankind. Remember also that truth will always continue to live, whether believed or disbelieved, either by the educated or uneducated classes of mankind» — y repite el argumento del giro de la tierra para decir que la verdad vive creída o no.

«Believe not a truth because it was believed and taught before you lived, but because it is truth, leading the mind onward and upward to higher spheres of grandeur and beauty» — la regla que da al lector: no creer una verdad porque se creyera antes, sino porque es verdad y lleva la mente hacia esferas más altas.

«Mythology has resulted from prior ignorance and misconception; and superstition, sectarian affection, and prejudice, have arisen out of mythology. All these have affected the uninformed minds of generations past, and are inherited by millions of the freeborn minds of the present era» — encadena ignorancia, mitología, superstición y prejuicio, y los dice heredados por millones de mentes de su propia era.

«And these effects afford living evidence to the enlightened understanding that whatever system has caused them is not divine —is not born of Nature or of her Creator, and is consequently injurious and positively unrighteous» — y aplica un criterio por los efectos: el sistema que levanta muros entre esposos, padres e hijos y naciones no es divino ni nacido de la Naturaleza.

«I now proceed to communicate my impressions concerning the prophecies and opinions relating to that lovely personage who existed upon the earth, and whose history is so imperfectly and unrighteously related by many writers» — el § 109 anuncia sus impresiones sobre las profecías y opiniones acerca de aquel personaje cuya historia dice relatada imperfecta e injustamente por muchos escritores.

«The first book, called Genesis, was not written by Moses, but the first part of it consists of traditional allegories of primitive ages, and which existed in the world before Moses lived. The description of the formation of the world, of the creation of Adam, of the garden of Eden, and the tree of knowledge, are figures that were used by the previous eastern nations» — niega a Moisés la autoría del Génesis y hace de su primera parte alegorías tradicionales anteriores a él, con la creación, Adán, el Edén y el árbol del conocimiento como figuras de las naciones orientales previas.

«They also have believed, and have endeavored to prove, that the allegories recorded in the book of Genesis were actual, literal truths» — y consigna la tesis contraria de los teólogos, que se han esforzado por probar literales las alegorías del Génesis.

«They have thus endeavored to form a connexion between the fall of man in the garden of Eden, as related in Genesis, with a restitution which they suppose was to be accomplished by the ultimate triumph of the divine principles taught by Jesus of Nazareth» — y el enlace que construyeron entre la caída en el Edén y una restitución por el triunfo de los principios que enseñó Jesús de Nazaret.

«They say nothing of the garden of Eden, of the fall of man, nor of any of the allegorical sayings contained in the book of Genesis» — objeta ese enlace por el silencio de los apóstoles, que dice no hablar del Edén ni de la caída al contar el nacimiento y la predicación de Jesús.

«It is clear, from many expressions in Genesis, that this book could not have originated with Moses. But it was written by a man who sacredly compiled the traditional mythology of the forefathers» — adjudica el Génesis a un hombre que compiló con reverencia la mitología tradicional de los antepasados.

«I am perfectly convinced, from the nature of my impressions, that the other books which are ascribed to Moses were in reality written by him. The history as contained in those four books is generally very true; and for their truthfulness the books should be esteemed and appreciated» — y devuelve a Moisés los otros cuatro libros, cuya historia declara en general muy verdadera y digna de estima.

«It appears that the romantic account of his birth, and of his singular position in early life, is true. And the fact of his being discovered in that novel situation excited among the inhabitants of the land a great deal of astonishment; and as the account thereof was related in a marvellous manner by those who discovered him, he soon became a distinguished youth» — tiene por verdadero el relato del hallazgo de Moisés entre los juncos y adjudica a él la fama que lo hizo joven distinguido.

«The early inhabitants of the earth, and indeed the nations existing upon the earth for many hundred years after, could not possibly conceive how thoughts could exist within them without an influx of some exterior but invisible spirit» — explica esa fórmula por la imposibilidad, para aquellos hombres, de concebir pensamientos sin influjo de un espíritu exterior e invisible.

«So if, instead of using the expression “the Lord spake,” they had said, “I am impressed with such or such a thought,” then would theologians of the present day have comprehended the mystery» — y pone su propio vocabulario en la misma serie: si en vez de decir el Señor habló hubieran dicho estoy impresionado con tal pensamiento, los teólogos de hoy habrían entendido el misterio.

«Moses, ascending to manhood with a healthy and athletic constitution, and in possession of many superior intellectual endowments, soon began to teach learnedly, attributing his impressions to the influence of the Lord’s invisible spirit, in accordance with the general conviction of those times» — describe a Moisés enseñando con doctrina y atribuyendo sus impresiones al espíritu invisible del Señor, conforme a la convicción general de su tiempo.

«The account of his passing with the hosts of Israel through the Red sea on dry land, is very truthful. But what is said concerning the causes which produced the separation of the waters, is entirely figurative, only expressing an external form of procedure which Moses observed in praise to the Origin of the impressions which led him onward, believing as he did that the Lord was the suggester» — el § 110 tiene por veraz el paso del mar Rojo a pie enjuto y por figurado cuanto se dice de la causa de la separación de las aguas.

«For at that time the water had merely receded from the elevated portion of the sea-bottom over which they crossed : for when the tide ebbed, this place, being a sandbar, was left dry, like a beach, and therefore it was possible to effect a safe passage across» — y da su explicación: un banco de arena que la marea baja dejaba seco como una playa.

«He also stated that Bonaparte, in a similar manner and at the same place, crossed the dry bottom of the sea on the recession of the tide» — Fishbough consigna en nota que el autor situó en ese mismo lugar y del mismo modo el paso de Bonaparte al retirarse la marea.

«The account of their being followed by Pharaoh and his hosts is also true, as is likewise that of the destruction of his army : for in attempting to cross, they were, because of their numbers, very much impeded; and when they were nearly all upon the passage, the tide returned, and they were drowned» — tiene por verdadera la persecución del faraón y explica el ahogamiento por el estorbo de su número y el regreso de la marea.

«Other remarkable things are also related, such as obtaining water by the smiting of a rock; the rod being changed into several forms; their being fed by manna which fell from above; and also many other things of like marvellous nature» — enumera los demás prodigios, el agua de la roca, la vara transformada y el maná, y declara que discutir su verdad no aportaría bien alguno a la renovación de la raza.

«Moses also speaks of receiving some divine commandments while upon Mount Sinai, and of receiving instructions from the Lord from a dark and immoveable cloud. He relates that a voice came out of the cloud to him while on the mount, which spake those stern commandments which were to constitute the law to govern the Israelites» — y pasa al Sinaí, con la voz salida de la nube que dictó los mandamientos.

«So he sat down and was absorbed in contemplation for many hours, at the end of which time the ten commandments were framed in his mind, and he wrote them upon stones such as could be conveyed to the valley below, and such as were easily impressible» — da su versión del episodio: Moisés absorto muchas horas en el monte, los diez mandamientos formados en su mente y escritos en piedras fáciles de grabar.

«Believing from youth that thoughts were caused by an influx from invisible, celestial beings, he supposed that at this time all these suggestions proceeded from the Lord, who was clothed with the cloud» — y explica la atribución: creyendo desde joven que los pensamientos venían por influjo de seres celestes invisibles, supuso que las sugerencias venían del Señor vestido con la nube.

«But the principle requiring “an eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth,” they could readily apprehend, and could obey its requirements without misunderstanding its meaning; and this was a high moral law compared to that by which they had previously been governed» — lee el ojo por ojo como un paso adelante y no como una crueldad: una ley moral alta comparada con aquella por la que antes se regían.

«For it is well known that nations often create laws that are severely binding and compulsory, and that the Hindoo tribes have codes and legal requirements eminently more severe than those instituted by Moses» — objeta el argumento de que la severidad del código prueba su origen divino, y contrapone los códigos hindúes, que dice más severos que los de Moisés.

«So the account which Moses has written is truthful, and it is written precisely according to his belief. It was the very best code of moral and social laws that could possibly have been invented under the existing circumstances of those times, and the potency of those commandments has been exemplified in all subsequent ages» — y concluye llamando veraz el relato de Moisés, escrito conforme a su creencia, y el mejor código moral y social posible en aquellas circunstancias.

«The law of Moses, therefore, has no real connexion with any theological system, except so far as it indicates a steady moral, intellectual, and social progression in the condition of man» — desliga la ley de Moisés de todo sistema teológico y la deja como indicio de una progresión moral, intelectual y social.

«The ancients were in the habit of understanding all things by correspondences and allegories; and in relating accounts of things and occurrences, they would often speak as if their correspondents and allegorical representatives were themselves true» — da la clave de lectura de todo el tramo: los antiguos entendían por correspondencias y alegorías, y las relataban como si lo representado fuera ello mismo verdadero.

«He also received information from his assistant Joshua, on whom he would, by manipulations, produce ab-normalness, so that he might dream and relate his visions» — adjudica a Moisés el uso de manipulaciones sobre Josué para producirle la anormalidad y recoger de él sueños y visiones.

«He wrote the four books in a language suited to the customs of that age, and intended no forgery or imposition, but believed he was inspired with divine teachings emanating from the fire, smoke, and thunder, on Mount Sinai» — y lo exime de falsificación: escribió en la lengua de su tiempo y creyó de veras estar inspirado por lo que veía en el fuego, el humo y el trueno del Sinaí.

«Also there are many instances in the book of Deuteronomy where the pronoun, first person singular, has been stricken out by compilers, and the third person singular inserted in its stead» — señala en el Deuteronomio el cambio de la primera persona por la tercera hecho por los compiladores.

«I find upon investigation that the last chapter of Deuteronomy was written by another person, who intended to relate the traditions concerning Moses’s discovery of the promised land, his divine instructions, and his death and burial. The generals of this account are strictly true, and need no qualification» — adjudica el último capítulo del Deuteronomio a otra mano y declara estrictamente verdaderos sus generales.

«Aaron, who was a contemporary and assistant of Moses, was, according to the relation given, nearly as useful a functionary as Moses himself, in leading and governing the children of Israel» — pone a Aarón casi a la altura de Moisés como funcionario en la conducción de los hijos de Israel.

«Notwithstanding this is an exaggerated description of his powers of mental conception, and susceptibility of internal prompting, he was the most enlightened person then existing, either among the Egyptians or Israelites» — llama exagerada la descripción de Moisés como el mayor profeta, y a la vez lo tiene por la persona más ilustrada de entonces entre egipcios e israelitas.

«Joshua was naturally well constituted, both physically and spiritually; and his mind was rendered the more fertile and susceptible of correct instruction by his being influenced by the manipulation of Moses» — el § 112 adjudica la fertilidad mental de Josué a haber sido influido por la manipulación de Moisés.

«full of the spirit of wisdom, because Moses had laid his hands upon him» — y funda esa lectura en el versículo del Deuteronomio sobre Josué lleno del espíritu de sabiduría porque Moisés le impuso las manos.

«The object of referring to this account is, to exhibit to a class of men who are supposed to be true theologians, the absurd and destructive tendency of that doctrine which supposes that these bloody and inhuman invasions were sanctioned by that Divine Intelligence which knows no thought contrary to the indestructible indications of Nature» — declara el propósito del pasaje sobre la conquista: mostrar la tendencia destructiva de la doctrina que supone sancionadas por la Inteligencia divina aquellas invasiones.

«It is blasphemous to believe and preach that these inhuman proceedings were sanctioned by a Divine intention» — y la frase con que lo cierra.

«Joshua being rendered susceptible to interior impressions by being subjected to abnormalness, could with ease and precision prophesy many things that would and did occur, for and against the children of Israel» — adjudica las profecías de Josué a la susceptibilidad a impresiones interiores obtenida por el estado de anormalidad.

«In those days the lsraelitish nation had no king. So after Joshua died, they were governed by a number of Judges; and hence the Book of Judges, which follows Joshua» — explica el libro de los Jueces por el gobierno sin rey que siguió a la muerte de Josué; el troceo imprime lsraelitish por Israelitish.

«It was the general belief among the Israelites that only one God existed, whom they called the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob; but where or how he existed, was to them a profound mystery» — consigna el monoteísmo de los israelitas, con el Dios de Abraham, Isaac y Jacob, y la mezcla de idolatría que dice haberse dado bajo los Jueces.

«Moses had taught them that it was by the assistance of the Deity that he turned the waters into blood, and that his rod assumed the form of a serpent, which was to be to Pharaoh a sign of power» — recoge la enseñanza de Moisés sobre las aguas vueltas sangre y la vara hecha serpiente como señal de poder ante el faraón.

«And how water was decomposed and transformed into blood, is also a physiological problem yet remaining unsolved» — y deja el prodigio como problema fisiológico sin resolver, junto con la serpiente que traga a las otras.

«Here, then, are striking examples of allegorical expression. The relation concerning the serpents, and the manifestation of Divine power in turning water into blood, were representations which Moses conceived of the pre-eminence of his own position and qualifications over those of all others; and of his supposed supernatural assistance and Divine instruction which established his authority over the people. But in writing these things, he related the figure as being a literal truth, which was the universal custom among the eastern nations» — lee esos prodigios como figuras con que Moisés representó su propia preeminencia, relatadas como verdad literal según la costumbre oriental.

«It was a belief also among the Jews and Israelites that good and evil both proceeded from the same Divine source. Hence in their expressions they would convey the idea that the Lord would say that they should do so and so, and then afterward would repeal the command, as if he had repented for what he had before said. So they would say that “when a prophet is deceived, it is the Lord that deceiveth him» — consigna la creencia de que el bien y el mal venían de la misma fuente divina, y el dicho sobre el profeta engañado por el Señor.

«They would charge all their weaknesses, afflictions, persecutions, and disconsolations, to the Lord, believing that all evil proceeded from the same Fount from which all goodness also flows» — y la costumbre de cargar al Señor toda debilidad y aflicción, creyendo que el mal salía de la misma fuente que el bien.

«The book that follows Judges appears to have been written by the same person who wrote Judges and Joshua : because the connexion is clear, and the composition uniform and historical» — adjudica el libro siguiente a la misma mano que escribió Jueces y Josué, por la conexión clara y la composición uniforme.

«The Book of Ruth is useful, inasmuch as it contains some very beautiful manifestations of devotion, kindness, and refined affection. It represents the peculiar customs relating to matrimonial engagements which then prevailed universally» — tiene por útil el libro de Rut por sus muestras de devoción y afecto refinado y por las costumbres matrimoniales que documenta.

«It is clear that the compilers misplaced those books, and also their chronology; for the book of Ruth is nothing more than an introduction to the book of Chronicles» — y acusa a los compiladores de haber puesto fuera de sitio esos libros y su cronología, dejando a Rut por introducción de Crónicas.

«During his life, the Judges gave room to the establishment of Kings, like unto those who reigned in various other portions of the eastern hemisphere» — fecha en la vida de Samuel el paso de los Jueces a los Reyes, a semejanza de los que reinaban en el hemisferio oriental.

«It will be observed that the author in speaking of the books of Samuel, and also of Kings, employs the singular number, intending in each case to include the two books in one» — Fishbough aclara en nota que el autor habla en singular de los libros de Samuel y de Reyes, tomando los dos por uno.

«The book of Kings is indeed an index that points all human governors to the fount of terrible wretchedness as the result of tyranny and oppression, or to the pure and silvery streams of well-ordered social government, and a pure and refined morality» — lee el libro de los Reyes como índice que señala a todo gobernante la fuente de la desdicha por la tiranía o la corriente del gobierno social bien ordenado.

«The book of Kings bears distinct evidence of being a compilation from abundant materials, among which were existing the book of Isaiah. For the thirty-seventh chapter of Isaiah is perfectly identical with the nineteenth chapter of the second book of Kings» — y lo declara compilación, con el capítulo treinta y siete de Isaías idéntico al diecinueve del segundo de Reyes.

«There are no prophecies contained in the books of Samuel and Kings that can be of any possible use as applying to the world at the present day; for all the prophecies therein contained are confined to the age in which they were made, and relate to the movements of kings and nations, and to wars, devastations, famines, and pestilences» — niega utilidad presente a las profecías de Samuel y Reyes, confinadas a su edad y a movimientos de reyes, guerras y pestes.

«many accounts of which were contained in those books that were rejected at the councils of Nice and Laodicea as being undivine and uncanonical» — y remite otra vez a los libros rechazados en los concilios de Nicea y Laodicea por no divinos y no canónicos; la frase abre antes y el tramo arranca tras el corte.

«The writings of Ezra contain some very valuable instruction. The book bearing his name, as presented in the Primitive History, is devoted particularly to a relation of events and occurrences connected with the return of the Jews from Babylon, and the rebuilding of their city and temple» — tiene por valiosa la instrucción de Esdras, dedicado al retorno de los judíos de Babilonia y a la reedificación de su ciudad y su templo.

«in speaking of the book of Ezra, and of those of three, or four of the minor prophets, the author’s attention was attracted to the writers themselves with whom these books originated : and in speaking of these, he has spoken briefly of some things which they wrote which are not recorded in the Bible in its present form» — Fishbough explica en nota que el autor hablaba mirando los manuscritos originales y no la Biblia actual, y por eso dijo de Esdras y de tres o cuatro profetas menores cosas que no están en el canon; la frase abre en la plana anterior y el tramo arranca tras el salto.

«For a truthful understanding of the contents of some of the previous books, this, and following ones, I would refer the reader to the theological writings of Swedenborg, the enlightened philosopher» — remite al lector a los escritos teológicos de Swedenborg, a quien llama el filósofo ilustrado.

«especially to a valuable work entitled “ “Summaria Expositio Sensus Prophetici» — y nombra la obra concreta a la que remite, la única de Swedenborg que este volumen cita por su título; el troceo repite la comilla de apertura.

«His writings do not unfold a germ of spiritual truth in those primitive pages, because it is impossible for them to contain such, inasmuch as they are only historical accounts, and not spiritual revelations» — y acota su acuerdo con él: dice que esos escritos no despliegan germen de verdad espiritual en las páginas primitivas, porque estas son relatos históricos y no revelaciones espirituales.

«So he does not unfold an interior meaning from these writings, but develops a novel exterior application and signification, which robs the Old and New Testaments of their present garb, and clothes them in a garment of spiritual beauty of which they are unworthy» — y le adjudica no un sentido interior sino una aplicación exterior nueva que viste al Antiguo y al Nuevo Testamento con una belleza espiritual que dice inmerecida.