Hinton - The Fourth Dimension.pdf

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THE FOURTH DIMENSION
Right- and left-handed symmetry does not occur in the
configurations of dead matter. We have instances of
symmetry about an axis, but not about a plane. It can
be argued that the occurrence of symmetry in two dimensions
involves the existence of a three-dimensional process,
as when a stone falls into water and makes rings of ripples,
or as when a mass of soft material rotates about an axis.
It can be argued that symmetry in any number of dimensions
is the evidence of an action in a higher dimensionality.
Thus considering living beings, there is an evidence both
in their structure, and in their different mode of activity, of a
something coming in from without into the inorganic
world.
And the objections which will readily occur, such as
those derived from the forms of twin crystals and the
theoretical structure of chemical molecules, do not invalidate
the argument; for in these forms too the
presumable seat of the activity producing them lies in that
very minute region in which we necessarily place the seat
of a four-dimensional movement.
In another respect also the existence of symmetrical forms
is noteworthy. It is puzzling to conceive how two shapes
exactly equal can exist which are not superposible. Such
a pair of symmetrical figures as the two hands, right and
left, show either a limitation in our power of movement,
by which we cannot superpose the one on the other, or a
definite influence and compulsion of space on matter,
inflicting limitations which are additional to those of the
properties of the parts.
We will, however, put aside the argument to be drawn
from the consideration of symmetry as inconclusive,
retaining one valuable indication which they afford. If
it is in virtue of a four-dimensional motion that symmetry
exists, it is only in the very minute particles
of bodies that that motion is to be found, for there is