For many years physical scientists have pursued their investigation of atomic structure with a view to "splitting the atom" and unleashing the colossal forces within. The war intensified this research, and now the first results have been obtained and the potentiality of atomic power has been found. Thus what is perhaps the greatest discovery in the physical realm until now has been made in our time, and it is one which may conceivably revolutionize human existence. So far this power has been used only for destructive purposes, but great benefits will result when it is applied constructively.
The world has viewed this new source of power with considerable perturbation, recognizing what its unprincipled use might involve for humanity. Mankind's inventive genius is inclined to outpace its moral sense and thereby create conditions which are problematical. Civilization is, therefore, now forced to a critical decision. It must either base itself on the unity and brotherhood of man or face disaster. This is a situation known individually to students of Christian Science. Oftentimes Truth forces us to meet an issue squarely, and in this way it promotes our progress.
The discovery of the nature of atomic structure and the harnessing of the forces involved were bound to come. It is not a cause for fear but rather one for satisfaction that seemingly solid matter has been transmuted into terms of force, for we are often told by the Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science, Mary Baker Eddy, that there is no substance in matter, but rather that matter is the objectification of mortal mind, a counterfeit of the divine Mind, and so not an entity.
