72 W. A, Norton on Molecular Physics. 
when a chemical union is formed between two different sub- 
stances. But in this case a force of electric attraction not yet 
considered may come into pla 
_ The general ‘sheet of two scien of the effective ac- 
that the Jaw of molecular action, as portrayed in the curve 
shown in fig. 1, furnishes, in the probable variations of the ratio, — 
n : : 
—, an adequate general cause for the varied results of this ac- 
tion exhibited in the different properties of substances; and at 
the same time reveals the probable explanation of many physical 
and chemical phenomena, occurring at surfaces of contact, and 
of the dependence of these phenomena upon temperature and 
other circumstances, as in oxydation, combustion, 
From the stand-point now taken new views open "iE to us on 
all sides. The more conspicuous of these we will proceed to 
sketch, in general outline, under the several heads of the Molecu- 
lar Constitution and Mechanical Properties of Bodies, Heat, Light, 
Electricity, Magnetism, and Chemical Action. The intimate rela- 
pheres, and in a mutual repulsion between the atoms of these 
atmospheres ;—that they are, primarily, movements or disturb- 
ances, produced i in these subtile atmospheres, Fou which ethereal 
a of impulses, and motions of molecules and masses, may 
t. 
~ Molecular Constitution, and Mechanical Properties of Bodies. 
Every body of matter consists of separate particles, ot molecules, 
in a state of ph iy under the action of the foreés proper 
_ to the particles, or of these in connection with extraneous forces 
taking effect upon the particles. The interstices between the 
me savers we conceive to be oe, i both the geet a 
