366 Mr. Whelpley on the Idea of an Atom. 



with one already in that, or in some analogous* state. The con- 

 ditions of that contact, we name temperature. 



Between gaseous nuclei electric resolution cannot always hap- 

 pen. The mutual repulsiofi of gases depending vpon the ten- 

 dency of p n, to an equal distribution in the nuclei of their atoms, 

 (a tendency which marks their relation of temperature,) a cer- 

 tain intensity of the electric condition is required to overcome it. 

 The force of an attraction is a geometrical mean, between the 

 two attrahent powers. Hence, the nucleus of a gaseous atom 

 will come vastly nearer to that of a solid, than to that of another 

 gaseous nucleus ; the difference may amount even to solidifi- 

 cation, (by the development of its solid axes, under the influ- 

 ence of those of the solid atom.) Let a gaseous nucleus be so 

 near, and so powerfully affected by the positive excess of a solid 

 nucleus, that it is not only attracted with more than the normal 

 force, hut has the equable development of its forces disturbed 

 from the centre, so that its relation to the whole of surrounding 

 matter is changed ; it is then electrified, (negative or positive,) 

 and repels others that are electrified at the same ifistant and in 

 the same manner. If this condition have a certain intensity, 

 one gaseous nucleus may divide its condition with another, by 

 the spark ; in which, a line of nuclei polarize each other and 

 simultaneously. 



But a hue of gaseous nuclei between positive and negative 

 poles, prevents a resolution of these poles until the intensity is 

 so increased as to cause a spark ; for they resemble a line of tem- 

 porary magnets, and the last one in order induces an excitation 

 in the solid with which it is in contact, opposite in kind to that 

 which it receives from the distant excited body, so that the 

 intervention of unexcited gaseous nucleus must prevent a resolu- 

 tion of opposite excitations. 



The excitation of a gaseous nucleus depends upon the inten- 

 sity of the polarizing influence, [and that intensity must be at 

 least equal to the intensities of its axial forces in the solid state, ) 

 as well as upon the nearness of the nucleus to the solid electri- 

 fying surface. 



* I mean to say, that a gaseous, or liquid, nucleus of one substance, may cause 

 solidity in another substance, without becoming solid itself. Thus, hail formed 

 in air at 32°, &c. 



