GENERAL MEETING. 5d 
All the matter we know of is already compounded and highly or- 
ganized. The ideal simple molecule would consist of a single pair 
of such atoms, bound to each other in orbital relations of more or 
less eccentricity, including the extreme rectilineal form of simple 
pendulum-like oscillation through one another’s centers; and it is 
a most significant fact that spectroscopic observation of all incan- 
descent matter shows atomic matter to be in this state of transverse 
or orbital oscillation with inconceivable but synchronous rapidity 
without regard to range, according to the pendulum law of stress 
varying directly as the range of oscillation, discovered by Galileo. 
Any theory of the simple molecule must take cognizance of this 
observed fact. Another cognate fact is that the law of elastic 
cohesion manifest in all elastic tensile action—“ ut tensio sic vis” — 
is a parallel law of stress, as illustrated in the spring balance weigh- 
ing scale, the spring dynamometer, the isochronous spring governor, 
etc., and is a function of molecular and ultimately of atomic force 
and distance. 
If the atom is really thus characterized, the repulsion or resistant 
property experienced in matter becomes worthy of investigation, 
since it drops,out as the primitive affection or disaffection postulated 
by Boscovich. I have shown that it is not necessary to oscillatory 
motion. We must admit that the notion of rebound or recoil, in 
the ordinary sense, between simple atoms possesses difficulties. No 
less does the idea of plasticity or destruction of momenta. Con- 
sider what is involved in the hypothesis of two absolutely hard, 
rigid, unparticled, homogeneous spherical bodies of any magnitude 
at all, if possessed of mass, meeting on a rectilineal central line of 
motion. We know what would happen in case of ordinary spherical 
elastic masses or aggregations of molecules. Such merely undergo, 
first, apparent contact, then compression, deformation, strain, accu- 
mulation of stress, retardation of velocity, momentary arrest, accel- 
eration on new lines of departure, relief of strain, recovery of form, 
redistribution of momenta, and final resumption of uniform veloci- 
ties, with relative motion inverted and aggregate energy of motion 
unimpaired, unless permanent distortion and heat have absorbed a 
portion. All this complex action is involved in the term elasticity. 
None of this could take place with simple undifferentiated particles, 
unless we invent for them a mystic atmosphere or cushion of repul- 
sive capacity surrounding the locus, as Boscovich was forced to do 
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