W. A. Norton on Molecular Physics. 207 
perature of the permanent gases does not increase this value to 
the limit 4:93 at which the liquid state becomes possible 
Own proper atmosphere. 
1 such binary molecules of elementary gases will occupy, 
a8 we have seen, the same space, which may be called the unit 
of volume. If v represent any given volume, asa cubic inch, 
and ” the number of atoms in v, then this unit of volume will’ 
v 
be. Now if one volume of one gas be presented to one vol- 
tains two atoms of hydrogen, associated with one atom of oxy- 
gen. If, as in the production of ammonia, three volumes unite 
With one, and two volumes are produced, three molecules must 
mpound mol 
With the other two. If the molecules of the two gases, or va- 
pors, that combine, be ever so complex, and the same number of 
Volumes unite as we have above supposed, with the same result 
43 to the number of volumes produced, the processes will be es- 
Sentially the same as just indicated. Each compound molecule 
Will occupy one unit of volume, whatever number of atoms, or 
8toups of atoms, it may contain. ee é. 
_ The decomposition of molecules which occurs in such cases, 
Wetes ~ 
