By human beings space is usually considered to mean that which seems to contain everything in existence, and it is described in various ways, such as an external environment, fathomless expanse, an all-inclusive medium, or a mental creation. Dimensions are made use of when we are considering space of limited size and shape, for which an elaborate geometrical system has been developed, based upon the point, line, surface, and solid as the elements. The most common conception of space is the three-dimensional, but if other geometrical elements than those just mentioned are used as the premise, such as, for instance, curved or warped surfaces, space of four or more dimensions may be developed.
The concept of space, however, is not confined to regions having geometrical dimensions. An incident is recalled of a speaker at a forum who, after having adroitly answered many questions, was silent before a voice which asked, "In what kind of space does love dwell?" Here is a sense of space in which the usual conception as to shape and form does not enter. It is a formless space, which is often referred to as space of the fourth dimension, since mortals are prone to unload upon the unknown fourth dimension all conceptions which are in the least puzzling. The knotty problems of the fourth dimension are, however, yielding under the light of Truth as revealed in Christian Science. In the early '80's Mrs. Eddy wrote (Miscellaneous Writings, p. 22): "Christian Science translates Mind, God, to mortals. It is the infinite calculus defining the line, plane, space, and fourth dimension of Spirit . . . It hath no peer, no competitor, for it dwelleth in Him besides whom 'there is none other.'" The limited sense of space, presented as three dimensions, is quickly seen to be inadequate for life's normal expression, for the majority of the problems with which one has to deal leave the conception of three dimensions far in the rear. As an example, let us add to the three dimensions of a limited portion of space, the number representing the density of the substance included in this space; we then have the conception of mass, which has four dimensions. Let this mass be moving with a certain velocity, and we have the conception of momentum, which has six dimensions—the two dimensions of velocity, which are distance and time, being added to those of the moving mass. Again, let us multiply by the velocity, and we are in the realm of energy having the eight dimensions of work, and the latent possibilities of accomplishment surround us. The realm of energy is far removed from realms of form and shape, but although formless, human beings do not object to considering it as something very real.
This line of thought leads one into special conceptions or realms which give breadth to vision. All such realms, in which may be included the realms of finance, industry, music, art, literature, religion, philosophy, and science, have dimensions to suit their individual natures, as for instance the realm of art. To express or appreciate art requires qualities which constitute the dimensions of this realm; the fact that all of the dimensions are not necessarily present in one representative or production gives variety as regards the nature and fullness of artistic expression.
