W. A. Norton on Molecular Physics. 939 
_ substances, we have admitted, and shall continue to admit, only 
differences in degree, not in kind; and differences too, that fall 
within the scope of the general theory. No higher requirement 
than this can reasonably be exacted of any fundamental con- 
_ ception. 
i) age has 
cco 
Electricity. 
Preparatory to the discussion of this topic it is important to 
_ inquire more minutely than has hitherto been done into the 
electric condition of molecules, both simple and compound. 
atmosphere ; but has this atmosphere a definite limit? and if so 
what is the condition of the electric ether exterior to it, and in 
Me interstices between molecules? The equilibrium of such an 
tlmosphere is determined by the operation of two antagonistic 
lores, the attraction of the central atom for each atomette of the 
Atmosphere, and the repulsion experienced by such atomettes 
tom all the others of which the atmosphere is composed. If 
vegard these forces as in no degree intercepted in their prop- 
repulsion of the whole atmosphere cannot be coinci- 
with the center of attraction, or center of the atom of mat- 
Author May seem to have adopted, in the scheme of molecular forces pre- 
PP: 63, 64, an arbitrary hypothesis, in assuming the existence of a force 
ne Fepulsion between the surfaces of contiguous electric atmospheres ; as 
Upon which the theoretical inference was drawn were not stated in the 
discussi There will soon be occasion to offer these in another cop- 
