246 W. A. Norton on Molecular Physics. 
effective repulsion would fall at r; in its supposed polarized con. 
dition, therefore, it will lie at some point m intermediate between 
rando. The two forces exerted upon s would therefore act in 
the direction shown in the figure, and their resultant would act 
from s toward-t. It will be readily seen that at all points be a 
the positive side, and inward on the negative side of the mole 
cule. The density of the electric ether at n should therefore be 
greater than at; and while by its elastic tension it is uy 
there will be a resultant force, as shown in the figure, tending 0 
check the flow of free electricity around or past the molecule, i 
whatever may be the intensity of this resultant, it must bai 
corresponding order of magnitude with the tension of free pris 
tricity, since it is precisely the resistance exerted by the polar 
versal ether. This determines the escaping electricity en 
oo tance con 
sidered above then comes into play, and if the elastic cone atk 
the electricity is sufficient to overcome this resistance, eee ik 
ea i : : veme | 
ing discharge takes place; otherwise the electric mo asin the 
only be after the manner explained on p. 243, that 18, 
process of induction, According to these views, the gre 
resistance offered by dense than rarefied air, is to be ¢*P 
