Emersonian Transparency and the Anatomy of Crystal

Abstract

Meditates on the riddle of Emersonian transparency, mainly as it appears in Nature. Offers a fresh perspective from which to study its difficulties: Emerson’s interest in crystal shapes. Claims Emerson knew that the limpid lattice reveals powers and structures that in other phenomena remain hidden: the principles of light, electricity, chemical affinity, perhaps life itself. Also believes Emerson realized from his studies that these energies are not simply predictable and stable; these luminous waves, galvanic forces, molecular polarities, and vital pulses are also obscure, abysmal, beyond the mind, as crystal translucency is opaque and crystal opacity, apocalyptic. Posits these prismatic virtues inform Emerson’s transparency in Nature, suggesting his clarity might be confusion, his revelation may be veiled, his hyaline eye-ball, through which he sees all, could be blind. Concludes Emersonian transparency does not open into Neoplatonic lucidity or Newtonian clarity; rather, it vouchsafes blurry, lurid vistas of sublime cosmos too richly complex to be simply clear.