302 On the Theory of Mixed Gase/i, 



It is, neceiSjsary to observe in this stage of the 

 inquiry^, that though we admit the particles of 

 A and B to be inelastic in relation , to each 

 other, the concession must be strictly confined 

 to the particles themselves ; for the gases which 

 are composed of them are elastic bodies ; they 

 therefor^ receive and communicate motion ac- 

 cording jto the, laws , which are peculiar to 

 bodies of this description. — The foregoing pro- 

 perties of a fluid mixture, which has been sup- 

 posed tq be duly adjusted, is now to be used in 

 the examination of the fundamental proposition 

 of the new: theory intended to explain the con- 

 stitution of the atmosphere. According to this 

 proposition, if two gases come into contact the 

 particles of which are perfectly inelastic in 

 respect;of each other, the particles of A meeting 

 with no repulsion from thofe of B, further 

 than that repulsion, w^hich as obstacles in the 

 way they may exert, w^ould instantly recede 

 from each other, as far as possible in their cir- 

 cumstances, and consequently arrange them- 

 selves, just as in a void space. The preceding 

 are the words of the author of the theory ; and 

 it is readily granted that the particles of such a 

 heterogeneous mixture would recede from each 

 other as far as circumstances will permit -, the 

 present subject of inquiry then brings the dis- 

 pute to this issue ; can that arrangement take 



