Newton, Leibnitz, and Boscovich to the Atomic Theory. 71 



wards the genesis of this molecular species, therefore, hydrogen, exist- 

 ing in the asther, tends ; and this species, above all, we may expect in 



nature (if our hypothesis be at all answerable to nature) most abundantly. 

 But what is it '? Comparing it with H, as to refractive power it must 

 obviously be much lower ; for many of its angles are formed of groups 

 of two and three particles of light ; and thus, being dissimilar, will 

 not repel single particles of light, or a ray, so powerfully as H does. 

 Moreover, its atomic weight is 3 (7 + 8) = 45 ( = 9, when H is 

 estimated at unity). And as the law of assimilation will demand that, 

 when in the fully insulated or aeriform state, it shall have, if possible, 

 the same volume as H, the specific gravity of the two aeriforms must 

 be in the same ratio. Thus, common air being taken as unity, and the 

 specific gravity of H = "069, that of this species must be '622 ; in all 

 which respects it agrees with common vapour. 



In this respect, however, the aeriform now under consideration differs 

 from H — that whereas in H, the equator as also the poles in each and 

 all are so similar, that union between atoms of H can only take place 

 under very peculiar circumstances — as, for instance, in a most intense 

 cold, or under most intense pressure ; in this species, on the other hand, 

 there are in each particle three segments of the equator and three poles, 

 dissimilar to the other three. Such particles tlierefore will readily 

 unite, especially by their equators ; for this they may do, so as at the 

 same time to do homage to the law of assimilation, in giving birth to a 

 higher order of symmetry. Whilst H, therefore, will be very perma- 

 nent as an aeriform, this species will tend to condense. While H will 

 be a permanent aeriform or gas, this will be a condensing aeriform or 

 vapour. 



And here the symmetry of the structure shows that where the 

 temperature is low enough to admit of a rigid combination among the 

 particles equatorially united, a star-Uke form of six rays (see the figure 

 below) is to be expected. 



Moreover, the star-like bodies will tend to unite, and that in groups 

 of 20, 30, and higher numbers, into beautiful, isometrical, basket vesicles. 



