PRESSURE IN THE AIR, 



to the weight of the mass, in a regular and pro- 

 gressive degree, from the top, which weight be- 

 comes concentrated at the bottom : so far, how- 

 ever, from the lowerstrata of the atmosphere sub- 

 sisting in a state of condensation, like the lower 

 strata of the wool, from superincumbent com- 

 pression, the lower strata of the atmosphere 

 are in a comparative state of expansion, from a 

 diminution of superincumbent pressure. So 

 far from the lower strata of the atmosphere 

 supporting the upper, the upper strata are ra- 

 ther pressed up by the expansive force of the 

 lower; instead of a progressive and gradual 

 sinking and condensing of the whole mass from 

 top to bottom, there is, on the contrary, a ge- 

 neral rising and lifting up of the whole mass, 

 from the bottom towards the top. 



If the ascent of the atmosphere from the sur- 

 face of the earth, did not take place, how could 

 its existence, at the highest points of elevation, 

 be explained ? How could we account for that 

 immense mass, not only of water, but of differ- 

 ent bodies, which are there found mechanically 

 diffused, or chemically combined with it, in 3, 

 gasified state. The ascent of the air from the 

 surface below upwards, because less resistance 

 prevails, is not only a legitimate effect of the 

 physical properties which it possesses, but is 

 further confirmed by the propagation of sound; 

 the pulsations of the air against the auditory 



