Pet 
W. A. Norton on Molecular and Cosmical Physics. 25 
nature are propagated forces, that is, do not act instantaneously at 
all distances, the principle of universal gravitation, as well as the 
doctrine of the molecular forces and agencies set forth in my 
paper, may be directly deduced from a single force of repulsion 
exerted by every primary atom upon every other atom. 
Admitted Principles.—It is now universally conceded: (1st,) 
that matter exists in at least two different fundamental forms, 
or conditions, viz: that of universal or luminiferous ether which 
pervades all space, and that of ordinary matter directly recog- 
nizable by our senses. 
(2d.) That all masses of matter of sensible extent are made up 
of distinct atoms. 
_(8d.) That every atom is essentially inert or incapable of itself 
of altering its own state, whether of rest or motion ; and that in 
every act of motion, or change of motion of an atom, an amount 
of force is expended proportionate to the mass of the atom and 
the velocity, or change of velocity, produced in the direction in 
which the force acts. 
It is also the general conception with physicists, that every 
atom has a definite form, and a definite size dependent upon the 
quantity of matter which it contains, and it will serve to fix 
our ideas to adopt this conception; at the same time it should 
be understood that in order to arrive at our conclusions the only 
essential supposition to be made, with regard to the state of an 
atom, is that it occupies a certain space, proportionate to its 
quantity of matter, in such a manner as to receive and intercept 
a certain portion of the force propagated along every line, or a 
number of lines proportional to its mass, traversing this space. 
Cosmical Force of Repulsion.—The fundamental notion of the 
propagation of force involves with it the conception that the 
force acts, or is transmitted in a series of recurring impulses. 
We may also assume that, like all known propagated actions, 
the force varies according to the law of inverse squares. . 
In fact, if the impulses are transmitted along definite lines, and 
the atom occupies, as a cause of interception, a definite space, 1t 
Is obvious that this law must of necessity hold good; or, if 
they are propagated by the intervention of wave pulses in a — 
more subtile ether, whether the atom be regarded as a mere 
point or of definite size, so be that it has a definite degree of 
Inertia, the same law should obtain. Now, let us leave out of | 
at all distances; and this action pe in a — vs — 
perpetually renewed, at an immensely more rapid rate, we must 
Suppose, “fae those of light or radiant heat. Each effec- 
Ch syd ere 
