212 Scientific Intelligence. 
and Maxwell, and it is not too much to say that these theories— 
essentially one and the same—rest to-day on as firm a foundation 
gases the t eaphe of Avogadro isa pve consequence and 
must be true unless this whole theory is a delusion. It is not how- 
ever at present important to consider whether the absolute truth 
of the pag will probably be hereafter vindicated or the reverse. 
For the moment the only question is whether the kinetic theory 
of gases ¥¢ a age ES basis for the system of modern chemistry, 
and we are surprised that any scholar, who appreciates the pres- 
ent position of the theory should not acquiesce in the decision in 
which the great body of working chemists—certainly of those out- 
side of France—agree. e two great uses of systems, or theo- 
ries, in science are to direct yh aa and to facilitate the ac- 
quisition of knowled e. Of the vane of the molernlyy theory in 
stated and youtniecs developed... ... Of course we are far 
from believing that the ideas ex prevailing are necessnr rily true, 
clear SORES 8 and that in nee ng to clarify our ideas and 
the changes of molecular structure, which evidently 1 very con- 
ose 
which aba as rae teams aed te Saad don our pee oe 
tions and hitherto safe gui ides on account of a few anomalies, 
a 
2 ee 
