280 Mr, Exleys Application of 



will, therefore, the more readily pass oft' to other neigh- 

 bouring tenacious atoms. 



2nd. Next, let the radius of the sphere of repulsion be 

 very large; then at the surface of repulsion, the force is 

 very small, and the electric atoms are, therefore, loosely 

 retained ; and, hence, will on a disturbance of the equili- 

 brium pass off" to other tenacious atoms, having their abso- 

 lute forces and spheres of repulsion better proportioned to 

 retain them. 



From these two parts, it follows, that when the absolute 

 force of the atom is given, there is a certain magnitude of 

 the sphere of repulsion, at which it will retain a maximum 

 quantity of the electric atoms. 



Cor, 1. When the pressure and temperature are given, 

 there is a fixed and definite relation between the tenacious 

 atoms of bodies, and those of the electric fluid attached to 

 them, as to quantity. 



Cor, 2. When the temperature is varied, the relation 

 between the tenacious and the electric atoms, is in some 

 degree altered. 



For the densities of the ethereal atmospherules will be 

 varied in different ratios, on account of the difference in 

 their spheres of repulsion. 



Cor. 3. From this it appears, that a variation of the 

 temperature will alter the electrical relations of elements, 

 and, consequently, their tendency to combine. 



Prop. 7. When the elements of bodies combine chemi- 

 cally ; the ratios by weight of the quantities are fixed and 

 definite, and such as may be expressed in small whole 

 numbers. 



Since tenacious atoms in common circumstances, are 

 always situated in a compressed body of ethereal matter ; 

 they will be encompassed by distinct atmospherules (prop. 

 1.) : this evidently tends to keep them apart; and, hence, 

 there can be no combination, unless either one or more of 

 the atoms or groups penetrate the atmospherule of the 

 other, so as to form a single group : or that the atoms are 

 connected by some intermediate link, as either another 

 atom, or intervening electric atoms, which may collect 

 between them (prop. 1, and cor.). When this change is 

 effected, the new particle will be invested with a distinct 



