THE JOUENAL 



OF THE 



On the Ratio-Micro-Polarisoope. 

 By James John Field, F.C.S, 



(Head July 23rd.) 



Perhaps no agent lias ever been placed in the hands of man 

 more subtle in its powers of analysis than that known in physics 

 as polarized light ; since it penetrates not only into the arcana of 

 matter itself, but into those of the mutually opposing forces which 

 are constantly operating between its molecules. Chemistry, indeed, 

 informs us in some measure as to the nature of what we term 

 matter ; and the energy and intensity exhibited in its actions 

 indicate the potency of those invisible spirits that are ever batt- 

 ling between the elements ; one aspiring to bind them with the 

 chain of combination ; the other ever striving to rupture that chain 

 and sunder the atoms ; each, in its turn, taking instant advan- 

 tage of any weakness in its opponent ; and thus leading to that 

 incessant molecular activity, which is the key-stone to the whole 

 fabric of this and other worlds' beauties, and marvels. 



But if we wish to investigate the more occult relations subsis- 

 ting between matter and force ; to determine, for instance, whether 

 the molecular condition of a body be in harmony with an equilibrium 

 of its forces ; we must seek a far more subtle means of analysis than 

 any which chemistry can furnish. In this (and many equivalent cases 

 that might be named) we appeal to polarized light; and not in vain ; 

 for given the one indispensable condition, that the body be cap- 

 able of transmitting light ; we obtain an instant and infallible 

 answer as to whether the molecular arrangement of such body be 

 one of unnatural tension or not. 



