BY MOLECULAR COALESCENCE, 67 
In this second process, on the contrary, a large quantity 
of globules and globular particles are brought suddenly 
into contact with those already perfectly formed. The 
balance and with it the condition of stasis of their mole- 
cules is destroyed, and the globules thus circumstanced 
ceasing to be attracted to one centre, go into fresh globular 
forms, much smaller and less regular than those produced 
in the first stage of this experiment, and thus for a time 
nothing but molecular confusion results. 
Ultimate molecules or atoms being frequently men- 
tioned in the course of these observations, these researches 
will not be complete without some some notice being 
taken of the probable form which matter had when it first 
came into being, or which it now has when it comes into 
existence in a new state of combination. As such exist- 
ences are invisible under the highest magnifying powers, 
all observations on their size and shape must be specula- 
tive. Two opinions, however, have prevailed with respect 
to their form. Haiiy and others have adopted the notion 
that they are all angular, while Hooke, Wollaston, and 
other more recent writers, have assumed that they are of 
a rounded form. Now, as respects my own view upon 
this point, I may observe that it has been shown—I think I 
may say demonstrated—that matter, immediately it comes 
into existence in some new state of combination, assumes 
one or other of two forms, according to the predominant 
force acting upon its ultimate molecules. If that force be 
attraction, the first forms are curvilinear; if impulsion, 
they are rectilmear. But I am aware that these first 
forms, bemg made up of alternate particles, are not them- 
selves atoms or ultimate molecules. Now, in order that the 
first portions of matter may have a definite form, they must 
