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XVI. On Cohesion. By Mr. Henry Moseley. 



To Mr. Tilloch. 



Sir, — A H E power of cohesion is universally allowed to be one 

 of tJ^e most interesting and important properties of matter. The 

 obscurity of its laws, the singularity of its effects, and its inime- 

 diat,e connexion with the necessities and comforts of every class 

 of society, claim for it a distinguished rank among the researches 

 of the philosopher. Nevertheless no pheenomenon of nature has 

 received so small a share of philosophical investigation. This 

 neglect is perhaps principally to be ascribed to an idea (very ge- 

 nerally received), that the nature of the attraction of cohesion (as 

 existing only between insensibly minute particles of matter) pre- 

 cludes the possibility of experimental research. As it relates to an 

 analytical mode of investigation, this argument certainly holds 

 good ; but it is no objection to a synthetical investigation. 



Convinced that the known properties of matter present us with 

 sufficient data for ascertaining tlie true law of cohesion, and that 

 the ill success of a few, whose aim was rather to reconcile expe- 

 riment wiih theories the favourite phantoms of their own ima- 

 ginations, than to deduce such theories from facts, did not stamp 

 impossibility on the undertaking ; I have been induced to com- 

 mence an investigation of the subject, the resxdt of which I beg 

 leave to submit to the public through the medium of your valu- 

 able Magazine. I remain, yours, &c. 

 Canonbury, July 12, 1S19. HenRY MoseLEY. 



A connexion between the attraction of cohesion and the at- 

 traction of gravitation has long been suspected by philosophers. 

 It still, however, remains to prove the real existence of such a 

 connexion, and to show how far it extends. In the following 

 remarks I shall attempt to demonstrate that these two attractions 

 are different effects of the same power, following the same law 

 under different conditions. So numerous and powerful are the 

 objections which present themselves to this hypothesis on a par- 

 tial consideration, that 'n^pombUily will, I am afraid, be at once 

 denied ; and any arguments in its favour be treated as attempts 

 to establish an hyjjotlicsis which daily experience contradicts. 

 In order tiicrefore that the subsc(iuent arguments may obtain an 

 unprejudiced consideration, I shall endeavour to remove the prin- 

 cipal objections to the fact generally — that cohesion and gravita- 

 tion are effects of the same power ; and, having thus shown the 

 possibility of my hypothesis, proceed to demonstrate its reality. 



The most powerful and evident oi)jcction to this hypothesis is, 

 that the cohesion of a body is in many instances more powerful 



Vol. 54. No. 25(). Aui^. 'ISID. F than 



