2l6 DISTINCTIVE MOVEMENTS OF MOLECULES. 



of groupings of molecules similarly serves to 

 develop a peculiar electro-mechanical reaction, 

 which constitutes the characteristic properties 

 of various compound substances. 



As before stated, the shapes of crystals are 

 deemed by chemists to be indications of the 

 peculiar kinds of molecules fitting to each other 

 electro-magnetically, according to the angles of 

 their various sides. Some are hexagonal, some 

 polygonal, some rectangular, &c. ; each showing 

 their characteristic forms of polarization, the nor- 

 mal condition of each being different. In the 

 formation of crystals we have perhaps a glimpse 

 of the way in which molecular forces work, and 

 of the great power requisite to move them. 



With the peculiar organization and form of 

 each kind of molecule there must be, when ex- 

 cited, a consequent peculiarity of vibration ; and 

 thus probably are produced the different move- 

 ments, as the rhythmic and peristaltic. No 

 doubt, if not beyond the range of future micro- 

 scopic vision, distinctive movements will be dis- 

 covered peculiar to the brain, to the eye, to the 

 ear, and to the other organs ; and we may yet be 

 able to detect and recognize the different kinds of 

 molecules by the individuality of their vibrations. 



Molecules are als'o machines for modifying, dif- 

 fusing, and directing electro-mechanical action. 



" An electro-magnet is a magnet whose mag- 

 netic power subsists during the passage of the 



