EVIDENCE PROVING THE STATEMENT OF THE CASE 59 



molecules alter according to the pressure of the air. 

 All atoms and molecules, except in the solid, are in 

 perpetual relative motion heterogeneous motion. 

 They are in contact as seeds or shots are when in a 

 vessel or nearly so. 1 



1 It is most remarkable how experiment shows that the formula 

 illustrated by the diagram is true. Thus, two volumes of hydrogen gas 

 at 100 C. combine with one volume of oxygen gas at 100 C C. to give 

 two volumes of dry steam at 100 C. But in order to obtain this 

 result the oxygen and hydrogen atoms must be expanded from the 

 condition they exist in at ordinary temperature, as illustrated in the 

 diagram fig. 5. Let us say fig. E illustrates gaseous atoms at 15 

 C. They are increased in dimensions or volume, or we may call it 

 1 ' atomic temperature," until we obtain a ratio of 100 C., as 

 measured by the mercurial thermometer. When at this volume or 

 molecular temperature, chemical combination takes place, and this 

 can be effected by the electric spark ; the atoms of oxygen and 

 hydrogen then wrap over- each other, and a molecule of water of 

 the dimensions of fig. D is the result. We call it a molecule of 

 steam. Now suppose, for a moment, our figures are actually 

 correct, then three objects expand by absorbing Ether to hold each 

 say 1,800 units of Ether, this reaction is what the chemist and the 

 physicist call raising the temperature of the gases to 100 C. When 

 chemical reaction has taken place, the three atoms holding collectively 

 5,400 units of Ether become one molecule of water in the form of steam 

 holding 3,600 units of Ether (fig. D), and the difference, 1,800 units of 

 Ether, become free. It is this Ether which raises the temperature of 

 bodies when we submit them to what is called flame. Moreover the 

 object, fig. D, can only continue to exist as a molecule of steam by 

 supplying a constant current of Ether to it, or, as it is called, keeping 

 the steam hot, for if this is not done, it immediately contracts to the 

 temperature of the air, i.e. to the dimensions of figs. B or C, in other 

 words the molecules become liquid or gaseous, and as the molecules 

 contract they give out Ether to the air and raise the temperature of 

 the air. This is the secret of heating rooms by steam or hot water. 



The process can perhaps be better grasped if we picture to the mind 

 that each atom in fig. E acts like a very minute india-rubber balloon 

 which expands by internal pressure, as when air is forced into it : only 



