238 W. A. Norton on Molecular Physics. 
. uF 
(1.) That matter exists in the three different forms of ordinary — 
or gross matler, an electric ether, and a more subtile uziversal ether; — 
and that each of these is made up of spherical atoms. 
(2.) That there are two primary forces: attraction, and re — 
pulsion. 4 
The primary force of attraction is exerted between the atoms 
of ordinary matter and the two ethers, and between the atoms — 
of the electric ether and those of the universal ether; while a 
mutual repulsion subsists between the constituent atoms of the © 
two ethers, = 
From these two postulates the conclusion was derived that 
each atom of ordinary matter must be surrounded by two atmos — 
pheres, one consisting of electric ether, and another of the unk 
versal ether, pervading the former; and that the atoms of the 
electric ether must also be surrounded by atmospheres of the 
more subtile universal ether which pervades the space between — 
them. Such being the condition of things, it was assum 
the attraction of the central atom of matter for the atoms of 
electric ether exterior to it was propagated by the intervening 
universal ether, and that the same was true of the mutual 
pulsion exerted between the individual atoms of the el 
e 
I'he primary force of heat, as one of the molecular forces, was 
deduced from these principles, and found to have its origi 
the force of molecular attraction. pil 
We propose now to show that the characteristic phenoment 
of electricity, comprised under the several heads of frictond’ 
electricity, vollaic-electricity, thermo-electricity, magnetism, electromag 
nelism, magnelo-electricity, induced currents, and dia-magnelism, may 
be derived as mechanical deductions from the same fun amental 
conceptions. 
We have thus far had no occasion to introduce arbitrary by 
two forces, attraction and repulsion, operating on the sa piace 
forms of matter, are alone concerned in evolving the phen a 
results, achieved by the same agencies, working by ™ 
essential processes. As transcendently wonderful as 18 
mite variety of Nature, no less so is the all-comprehensive — 
of its origin, and the grand simplicity of its evolution. 
the point of view now taken, this truth, which has jot 
discerned with more or less distinctness, stands forth raifert 
Proportions. In the discussion of specific properties 
