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W. A. Norton on Molecular Physics. 65 
mentioned. These forces consist of recurring impulses 
d in waves through the ethereal media, which take effect 
ultimately as attractive, or repulsive, impulses, upon the central 
atoms of molecules. The law of diminution of the propagated 
forces is that of the inverse squares. 
If the ethereal, as well as the electric, atmospheres of particles, 
considered, is really a necessary consequence of the first 
operation of the force of attraction of atoms upon the surround- 
ing ether, if the elasticity of the ether be perfect. — 
A different view of the possible nature and origin of the mo- 
lecular forces from that which has been given, may be obtained 
by changing our stand point. : 
_ We may conceive the same three forces, viz: one of attrac- 
tion, and two of repulsion, to be in operation, but we may re# 
place the forces of electric attraction and repulsion by equivalent 
forces propagated through the universal ether. This ma 
tealized as a physical conception by regarding the atoms of the 
molecules and those of the surrounding electric ether, each en- 
Compassed by its ethereal atmosphere, as being, or rather their 
atmospheres, in the dynamical condition of alternate contraction 
AM, Jour. Sct.—Srconp SuntEs, Vou. XXXVIII, No. 112.—Juty, 1864. 
ae : 
