326 Reflections on the Inadequacy of the principal Hypotheses 



tually repulsive power. Hence it is inferred that electricity is 

 an elastic fluid. 



3. Concerning the place of this fluid in creation, it is as- 

 sumed that every kind of matter contains electricity, and that 

 a mutual attraction exists between the containing and contained 

 matter. 



4. Since it is inferred that the particles of the fluid are re- 

 pulsive of each other, it appears that there must exist such a 

 state as an eciuilii)rium : for, as each particle repels all others 

 surrounding with ecjual force, it follows that all the particles 

 will find a state of rest when the forces are balanced. 



5. In the preceding principle it is inferred that an equilibrium 

 does exist. From this and principle 3d it is deduced, that the 

 equilibrium once found will be diflfiised throughout all bodies, 

 and that all bodies must contain as much of the fluid as its 

 particles will admit. 



6. It is assumed that this eqinlil)rium may be disturbed, the 

 absolute quantity remaining the same ; an excess above the 

 common standard being found in one part, and a corresponding 

 diminution in the other. Or it may be disturbed in different 

 bodies. Kence it is deduced that 



7. a. In bodies containing an excess^ the fluid being not 

 equally resisted possesses great elasticity. A body already con- 

 taining its natural qiiantitv will admit no more ; consequently 

 the excess remains on the outside, and forms an atmosphere. 

 Such bodies, as they move with their atmosphere, must repel 

 each other. Bodies in the state of diminution must have some 

 particles of their substance vacant ; these particles will be 

 attracted by the fluid surrounding them in the air : and such 

 bodies will seem to repel each other by virtue of divellent at- 

 tractions. A body with an excess must attract one in the 

 natural state, to restore the equilibrium ; and when this happens, 

 both having still an excess, they will repel each other. Lastly, 

 a body with a diminished quantity will attract one in the na- 

 tural state to restore the equilibrium ; and when this happens, 

 both having now a diminished quantity, will seem to repel each 

 other as before. Thus does the hypothesis account for all the 

 phaenomena of attraction and repulsion. 



8. From ph32nomenon 3, it appears that glass and other 

 electrics afford a resistance to the passage of electricity. Hence 

 it is assumed that electrics are absolutely impermeable to the 

 electric fluid. From this and from hypothesis 6, it is deduced, 

 tliat if the equilibrium of an electric be disturbed, one part will 

 contain an excess, and another part a corresponding diminution. 

 Yet the eagerness of the excess to give, and that of the vacant 

 particles of matter to receive^ are forces operating to restore the 



equilibrium. 



