175 
different set. of numbers »,,»,, ..,v,;'). Each time we obtain a cor- 
responding equation for the chemical constants of these molecules 
1 
RN ee ab ne grea EAA) 
It will be seen, however, that the quantities a; are not complete- 
ly determined by these relations. For every chemical reaction which 
is possible the corresponding numbers »,,r,,...,rjs have to satisfy 
the relations: 
0, Evs n= 90; = Bye 0 ee a 
Therefore: for every chemical reaction the corresponding equation 
(47) will be satisfied by putting 
aj E 
meae EEN 8) 
with completely arbitrary values of the numbers u,v, w, that is to 
say: the chemical constant of a molecule is completely determined but 
for certain additive constants, which the several atoms bring with 
them into the molecule and carry away, with them in chemical reac- 
tions”). In the determination of the dissociation-equilibrium these 
arbitrary constants drop out, since in that case, as we have seen, 
we only deal with 2p; q;. 
§ 8. The influence on the dissociation-equilibrium of the 
“symmetry-numbers” o; of the molecules. 
The part played by the symmetry-numbers in the dissociation- 
equilibrium may be elucidated by a typical example. 
Let the chemical elements A and B be able to form the following 
kinds of molecules 2 
1) Comp. not 1 in § 6. 
2) Obviousiy the entropy-constants Ki; have exactly the same degree of determi- 
nateness and indeterminateness. The same indeterminateness remains, when the 
chemical constants are derived by means of the vapour-pressure equation (comp. 
“additional notes” III), and also, if following BotrzmaNn one would make use of 
_ the equation 
St — Sr [log y*} — log} vi] 
For also the numbers of molecules N,* No*, ... Ni* and Ny, No, ... M 
occurring in this equation have again to satisfy relations of the form. 
N;* N; a7 4 0 (comp. (33) § 6). 
in order that the change may be compatible with the number of atoms 1, Y, Z, 
present. We do not think that BorrzMANN's equation can be replaced by an 
assumption of the form. 
S=rlog}y} 
on grounds which will be set forth in § 9. 
