a Ne-do Dyitamico-Chemical Principle. 179 



the particle. Again, since the intensity of all radiating in- 

 fluences are inversely as the squares of the distance, it is ex- 

 tremely probable, although not yet demonstrated, that the at- 

 tractive power generated by the above principle will likewise 

 follow the same law. When the distance, however, is so small 

 that the peculiar shape of the particles will modify the effect, 

 polar forces will be developed, and the planes will gradually 

 arrange themselves in a parallel direction, while other peculiar 

 changes relating to chemical pha?nomena will simultaneously 

 take place. These modifications of the influence of the me- 

 diura when the mutual distance of the rigid planes is small, 

 will be more complex and interesting according to their 

 number and mode of clustering together. Thus if we were 

 to suppose every particle to be composed of an indefinite 

 number of rigid planes arranged in a fixed order, and kept 

 in their relative places by the balancing influence of an attrac- 

 tive and repulsive force, an accordance may be discovered with 

 the theory now generally adopted, that the atomic weights of all 

 the chemical elements are simple multiples of that of hydro- 

 gen ; and that the particular properties of the particles of every 

 different substance result from their individual organization. 



The introduction of another medium, the particles of which 

 may be considered as indefinitely larger than those of the first, 

 and yet indefinitely smaller than the elementary plane, opens 

 a new and wide field for the display of an unlimited number of 

 curious phccnomena. These, as far as the subject has as yet 

 been explored, appear to coincide remarkably with the known 

 properties of heat, whilst other simple combinations are likewise 

 successful in explaining many other interesting facts in che- 

 mistry. Before entei'ing, however, into this boundless region 

 of inquiry, the circumstances which influence the variable ratio 

 of the attractive force, and other preliminary theories, must be 

 subjected to a course of mathematical examinations; — this will 

 perhaps form the subject of a future communication. 



In conclusion it may be observed, that were the size of the 

 particles indefinitely reduced, whilst their velocity was inde- 

 finitely augmented, the density of the medium would be simul- 

 taneously diminished, whilst the quantity of force existing 

 in a finite portion by remaining constant may be conceived 

 sufficient to impel bodies with jwwers of equal intensity to 

 those which are exhibited in nature; and this more especially 

 since we may likewise suppose the rigid j)lanes which consti- 

 tute these bodies to be indefinitely reduced in thickness, whilst 

 they still present the same superficies: thus by lessening the 

 quantity of matter acted upon, the intensity of the action will 

 be proportionubly more vivid anil efficacious. Thus were 

 2 A 2 the 



