W. A. Norton on Molecular Physics. 75 
ond orders of distance. These remarks apply to the general 
mass of the liquid. The molecular atmospheres are in an ex- 
panded condition from the effect of the heat of fluidity, and it 
Is from this fact that the peculiar properties of the liquid state 
result. As we draw near the su 
cles is compresse on that immediately below it; also to a 
. _ Certain depth more particles will exert their attraction from below 
than from above s a consequence, the density must increase 
compression be exerted throughout the whole liquid mass. This 
force determines, and is in equilibrium with, a mutual repulsion 
between molecules separated by the seeond order of distance; 
as the final result, therefore, at the depth at which the density 
Ceases to increase, and all greater depths, the action between two 
such molecules should be either feebly attractive, or altogether 
€vanescent.* 
_ gteater distance from the atoms which they surround; thus, 
leaving below them a much larger volume of universal ether, to 
of the existence of a contractile force at the surface of a liquid, 
lecular action, was advocated by Young and Poisson, and em- 
m in explanation of the phenomena of capillarity. It has also been 
hele : 
and illustrated by Professor Henry, by many ingenious experiments, 
