and the Globular Form of Fluids, 347 



atom to form particles ; and the particles thus formed are 

 united by the positive surface of the negative atom, and 

 the negative surface of the positive atom to form lines of 

 particles ; which are again united, in the same order, in 

 two directions perpendicular to each other and to the first 

 line, to give to its length, breadth and depth. So that each 

 atom must have three positive and three negative surfaces; 

 and as the electrical forces by which they are generated 

 are precisely equal, the atom of oxygen being in contact 

 with an atom of hydrogen, and the atom of hydrogen in 

 contact with an atom of oxygen at three points equidistant 

 from each other, the polar forces produced by their action 

 must also be equal ; and, in th6 absence of other polar 

 forces or disturbing causes, at right angles to each other.* 



There are some circumstances attending arrangements of 

 this description, in which polar forces are generated by 

 the action of contiguous surfaces in different electrical 

 states, that deserve our attention. Whatever may be the 

 nature of the bodies A B C D, &c., whether they consist of 

 atoms of oxygen and hydrogen, or plates of zinc and copper, 

 or of any other bodies, provided the alternations are different 

 in electrical force, they will form a galvanic series with 

 properties which, iu many respects, are common to all. 



It is evident, that however we extend the series ABC, 

 &c., there will be a positive surface at one end, and a nega- 

 tive surface at the other unconnected. These surfaces, if 

 in contact with the air, or with any other inferior conductor 

 of derangement, will resist the electrical force of the 

 bodies O H, O H, &c., and this resistance, re-acting upon 

 every part of the series, will prevent the full derangement 

 of the different surfaces which their inductive influence 

 upon each other disposes them to acquire. If, then, we 

 connect the negative surface of A with the positive surface 

 of F, by means of an equally good conductor, with the 

 bodies ABC, &c., the resistance being removed, these 

 bodies will assume a state of derangement in equilibrium 

 with the forces ; to complete which, the light will flow, 



• This arrangement forms the three directions perpendicular to each other, 

 ■which Fresnel calls axes of elasticity ; and, as in the formation of water, by which it 

 is here illustrated, the force is the same in all three directions, the light transmitted 

 by this fluid is free from double refraction. 



