A404 Scientific Intelligence. 
sites. The theorist shows, that gravitation itself is a consequence of 
such a resolution: and that two atoms so composed will necessarily 
gravitate. (See Art. in this Journal for April, 1845, and mages of 
. of Americ, Geol. and Nat. for the same year.) 
By this induction from the mass to the atom, the atom is ssahs an Indi- 
vidual, having a specific size, which is the variable limit of its molecular 
force; and an infinitude, which is the extension of its gravitant and elec- 
tric force :—It preserves this individuality, while it extends through, and 
interpenetrates with every otheratom. It has also two kinds of polari- 
ty, the remote and the near; and also an antipolar, or unresolved state, 
when its two forces are coincident about the same center,—which is 
the gaseous condition. Liquidity is assumed to be an intermediate state 
between solid and aeriform; and solidity to be the state of ultimate 
polarity, when all its force is resolved, and divided into polar axes, 
(‘ crystallogenic axes of Dana.’) 
It will be seen, on a careful examination, that a theory of matter 
founded on such a method of induction admits of the exactest mathe- 
matical applications ; and that it ease a — which adapts it 
alike to all phenomena. 
Mr. Whelpley, in the following paragraph expresses dahesigthy the 
views above alluded to and also others of equal importance with refer- 
ence to we nature of heat. (Proceed. Assoc. of Americ. Geol. and Nat. 
1845, p. 1 
tase = a agirey is Sante’ it expands mdienomaoaiun of pea ir 
is the same with an expansion of the molecular spheres of the atoms. If 
the motions of heat and light can be otherwise explained, the notion 
of an ether distinct from, gravitant matter, may be set aside ; butall the 
properties of a mass are reducible to forces, causing motion and rest: 
all the properties of an atom are, therefore, its forces, or powers. It 
follows that an atom can be known only by these forces ; and because 
the force of gravity is every where present, in that sense, the gravitant 
atom is itself‘ every where present :’ and the same is true of its mag- 
netic and electric force. The extended atmosphere* of an atom is, there- 
fore, its proper ether, through which it radiates pulses of heat and light, 
and is wislectrioally, magnetically, and attractively, present in the whole 
me Some substances, such as the metals, being more susceptible than 
others to change of temperature, the same is true of their atoms, The 
impenetrable nucleus, or molecule, of an atom, may be either greater 
or less. When a cold nucleus touches a hot one, the greater contracts, 
and | the Jeeser iia stadt to a law of RGR of aude 
h, , omnipresent power, first principle. eter 
