The Relation of Science and Religion.pdf - Online Christian Library

100 SCIZNCE AND RELIGION.tion, sent forth; and then he may occupyhimself with calculations bearing on the expenditurefor coals and labor, along with tearand wear of machinery. But scientific observationhas concentrated much more on theevolution of heat, and out of this has comethe completed theory of the laws of energy.In this way, it became matter of distinct calculationthat friction and percussion convertenergy into heat.Along with these observations we have toremark upon an attendant conclusion, whichhas an important bearing on all speculationconcerning the destiny of the universe. Irefer to the fact that transmutation of energyinvolves a deterioration and dissipation of energy.As in the history of energy, improvedposition adds to the advantage for the doingof work, so transmutation tends to diminish theadvantage or utility of the energy for humanpurposes. Thus the energy expended in workinga machine gives return in a product ofrecognized value, but the energy spent in contendingwith friction generates heat which isof no practical value in respect of accomplishedwork. Or as the latter fact has been statedby Professor Balfour Stewart, friction proves