  The distortion of space by the presence of mass in general relativity appears
to be capable of increasing three dimensional spatial volume. We examine excess
volume effects associated with an isolated mass described by the Schwarzschild
solution to the field equations. Fractional differential excess spatial volume
in the vicinity of a mass is shown to be a direct measure of gravitational
potential which can be easily visualized. The total amount of excess spatial
volume associated with an isolated mass is evaluated and shown to be
appreciable. Summing over the excess spatial volume contributions from
individual masses present throughout the universe leads to an overall excess
spatial volume comparable in magnitude to the volume of the observable
universe. Interpretations of these results are discussed, including the
possibility that this excess volume might contribute to clarifying the issue of
missing matter in the contemporary universe. Alternatively, it is proposed
speculatively that mass, rather than simply distorting preexisting space, might
actually create it.
