CONTINUAL VIBRATION OF MOLECULES. 85 



tions of molecules are described as being " an in- 

 cessant quivering, with so quick a motion as to 

 render it difficult to follow out the course of any 

 one single particle, while changing its' direction 

 fifteen or twenty times a second." 



Professor Jevons describes these movements 

 as " the leaping of atoms, while freely movable 

 as liquids." 



The preceding statements are presented to show 

 the fact of the continual and rapid vibration of the 

 molecules of terrestrial matter, which we have as- 

 cribed to the momentum of the planets. 



Every molecule, even of solid bodies, being sur- 

 rounded by the electric ether, has a certain scope 

 and extent of vibration, and continually trembles 

 from the original impress of the Almighty Power, 

 primarily imparted to the vast orbs of the solar 

 system. 



Each molecule, while subjected on all sides to 

 equal and oppositely directed vibrations, is held 

 in an unstable, electrostatic condition. It is ever 

 ready to yield to the vibrations against one side, 

 when the counterbalancing vibrations are diverted 

 from the opposite side. 



When the vibratory action predominates against 

 one side, a resultant movement is so instantane- 

 ously produced as to resemble inherent self- 

 motive power in the molecules. 



