147 



iiiochemicnl change would not be affected by such a process because it de- 

 pends only on the initial and final products. 



Objection is made to the atoniic-moleculiii explanation (Smith Inor- 

 ganic Cliemistry, p. 424) because it is used to explain the oxidizing activity 

 of hypoc'hlorous acid but is not often used to explain that of sulphuric acid 

 or of double decompositions, as the action of sulphuric acid on salt. Con- 

 cerning the former it may lie said that it should be applied as rigidly in 

 one case as the other. The pre-heating in the case of sulphuric acid may 

 be considered as necessary for the decomposition of the acid to form 

 atomic oxygen, and is often so considered. Concerning such actions as tliat 

 of acid on sale it may be replied that they are explained by as "fairy" 

 a theory, viz.. the electron modification of the ionic theory. 



Even if the activity of nascent hydrogen is finally found to vary 

 greatly witli the sources of its production the atomic-molecular explanation 

 'vill still be sufficient. For the absorbing or atomizing power of the ele- 

 I'lents varies greatly; and for those having little atomizing jiower the 

 smoothness and other characteristics of the superfiicial surfaces must 

 determine the relative chances of the afians meeting to form molecules or 

 of acting on the other material jnesent. 



The investigation of the subject will lie continued as oiijiortunity offers. 



