302 On the Theory of Mixed Gase^. 



It is necessary to observe in this stage of the 

 inquiry^, that tl)ough we admit the particles, of 

 A and B to be melastic 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^e receive and communicate motion ac- 

 cording to the laws which are peculiar to 

 bodies of this description. — The foregoing pro- 

 perties of a fluid mixture, which has been sup- 

 posed to 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 melastic in 

 respectpf each other, the particles of A meeting 

 with no repulsion from thofe of B, further 

 than that repulsion, W-hieh as obstacles in the 

 way they may exert, would 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 j the 

 present subject of inquiry then brings the dis- 

 pute to this issue ; can that arrangement take 



