A CONTRIBUTION TO THE THEORY OF CHEMICAL AFFINITY. 



In this paper I propose to affirm and demonstrate the following^ 

 propositions, viz. : 



First. — That chemical affinity* is determined by the compatibility, or 

 accordance, of the motions proper to the respective atoms or molecules 

 under consideration; and that affinity is directly as compatibility. By 

 compatibility of motions, I mean such correspondence between the 

 respective periods of oscillation, and between the respective figures of 

 the paths in space traveled by a given point in the vibrating atoms, as 

 renders it easy or possible for them to coalesce and oscillate together 

 with a compound motion. 



Second.— That chemical attraction in fact, is referable lo the mechanical 

 principle : " Motion in the line of least resistance" ; and is the result of 

 the motion of contiguous, and accordantly- vibrating atoms or molecules 

 along paths of least resistance in the surrounding ether — paths formed 

 by the coalescence or composition of the several ether-waves accom- 

 panying the attracting atoms. f 



If we mix intimately a given quantity of sodium chloride in watery 

 solution with an equivalent quantity of silver nitrate, likewise in watery 

 solution, we shall obtain a solid precipitate of silver chloride in a solution 

 of sodium nitrate. 



Or, if we take a watery solution containing both silver and copper 

 nitrates, and add to this a sufficient quantity of sodium chloride in 

 solution, we shall find on examination that every atom of the silver has 

 been picked out from the mixture and separated by precipitation in the 

 form of silver chloride. 



*By affinity is here denoted latent attraction, attraction in posse, the capability 

 of attracting or of being attracted. 



fl use the word "accompanying" rather than "caused by" the attracting 

 atoms, for the reason that it may possibly become a question whether the 

 initiative lies with the ether, or with the atom. 



