W. A. Norton on Molecular Physics. 253 
material and cross section throughout; actually should be pro- 
portional to the ‘“‘reduced” length of the circuit. During this 
period all the electricity set in motion by the union of the two 
particles should pass through the circuit; or more strictly, be 
urged forward past each point of the circuit, in electric “ waves 
_ Oftranslation.” The quantity of electricity that moves forward 
ita given time should then be inversely proportional to the 
_lngth of the circuit, other things being the same. The reason 
thatthe quantity of electricity, or the intensity of the current, 
‘3 evr eenal to the area of the cross section of the wire is, prob- 
‘Rous molecules in the line being such that they become more or 
#8 polarized, and so offer a resistance to the free flow of the 
Mecinicity (p. 245); besides that the process of polarization is 
tlended with a retardation. The degree of polarization that 
le at any point of the current serves as a measure of the 
‘"sisiance” experienced by the current there. 
oree to polarize and decompose an electrolyte interposed 
aly 
4) 00d Conducting wires are employed to com lete the circuit 
the ne asity of the current will be augmented by increasing 
— heat developed in the voltaic current is to be ascribed to 
Siva Pulsive action of the electric ether moving in it upon the 
Wloped (tne Currents, or waves of translation, are thus de- 
Matera] M this ether, which fall upon the central atoms of the 
‘ten Molecules in the circuit, or the dense ether surrounding 
Js: The impulses thus received are given off, or pass 
‘Sct—Snconp Sertes, Vou. XXXIX, No. 117.—Mayr, 1865. 
33 
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