298 On the Adhesion of the Particles 



carried to great distances ; and at the same .time we 

 know that every particle of this powder is really a stone,, 

 almost three times as heavy as water, and of a size so 

 considerable that its form may be perfectly seen by 

 means of a good microscope. 



And we see also, without surprise, that water, which is 

 much lighter than dust, and is composed of particles in- 

 comparably smaller, is not carried off by the wind in 

 the same manner. 



In order to convince ourselves that the particles of 

 water do strongly adhere to each other, and that they re- 

 quire to do so in order to prevent the greatest confusion 

 in the universe, we need only figure to ourselves the in- 

 evitable consequences that would result from the want 

 of such an adhesion. 



The particles of water would be raised and carried off 

 by the winds with infinitely more facility than the finest 

 and lightest dust. Every strong breeze setting in from 

 the ocean would bring with it a great inundation. 

 Navigation would be impossible, and the banks of all 

 the seas, lakes, and large rivers would be uninhabitable. 



The adhesion of the particles of water to each other is 

 the cause of the preservation of that liquid in masses. 

 It covers the surface with a very strong pellicle, which 

 defends and prevents it from being dispersed by the 

 winds. Without this adhesion, water would be more 

 volatile than ether, and more fugitive than dust. 



But the adhesion is also the cause of other phenom- 

 ena, which are of the greatest importance in the phe- 

 nomena of nature. 



The viscidity which results from the mutual adhesion 

 of the particles of water renders this fluid proper to 

 hold all kinds of bodies in solution, as well the most 



