Mr. Whelpley on the Idea of an Atom. 359 



sented in the diagram, the attractions np\ pn', must overcome 

 the repulsions 7i7i', pp', being greater than they ; (because these 

 forces vary as the square of the distance inversely, the attraction 

 np', together with attraction pn', is able to overcome the repul- 

 sions :) C and C will consequently approach each other. But if 

 one only of the atoms is developed into p and n, it will cause 

 a similar development in the other. For, these forces develope 

 each other, and the influence np', and the repulsion n7i', will to- 

 gether cause p and n to appear in the common axis of the two 

 atoms. 



But this effect happens at the same instant along the whole 

 line passing through the centres C C ; for the forces pn, p'n', 

 are present along the whole of that line, though their points of 

 greatest intensity are in the surface of the nucleus. It is, there- 

 fore, necessary to the motion of gravity, that one of the C's shall 

 have been resolved into pn, by some other cause, and the begin- 

 ning of all motions must be referred to a divine will. Two 

 single atoms of the kind described, should act toward each other 

 as masses act when they gravitate. 



The inertial vibration, which is a relation of motion in the 

 parts of the nucleus, may be continually changed in its direction 

 by the development of another axis at an angle with it, produ- 

 cing motion in a curve. The curve of revolution described, will 

 measure the relation of the two forces, both as to their directions 

 and their intensities ; but the motion which they occasion, can- 

 not be regarded as absolutely continuous, or strictly curvilinear, 

 for it is composed of vibrations. 



Temperature. 



When the nuclei approach so near, that n coincides with p', as 



C C 

 in p np' n', they must cease to approach nearer ; for 



if they were forced to penetrate each other, so that 7i should pass 



by p', the joint effect of n7i', pp', and p'n, would be to prevent 



such a movement, and convert the attraction of the two into an 



elastic repulsion. This may be the case of two gaseous atoms, 



which have approached until p' and n coincide. But because 



the external p and 71' continue to act, and still press the centres 



nearer, the two nuclei will be slightly diminished in size, and 



gain proportionately in elasticity and intensity. Since it is cer- 



