336 W. A. Norton—Molecular and Cosmical Physvs. 
the hypothetical ether would simply play the part here assigned 
to the luminiferous ether. 
VL. Physical Constitution of a Primitive Molecule.—A primitive 
molecule is here regarded as the physical equivalent of a 
“chemical atom,” or simple “integrant atom,” as these terms 
are ordinarily understood. The prevalent notion has been that 
a simple atom is inherently endued with the property of attrac- 
tion or repulsion, which it manifests under different circum- 
stances ; but against this hypothesis rests the objection that it 
is highly improbable that a homogeneous atom can, of its 
own nature, exert a force of repulsion at one distance and of 
attraction at another. This fact, together with a careful study 
of physica] phenomena, has led certain able physicists to Te 
gard an atom, so called, as made up of dissimilar parts. Now 
we are conducted to a notion of the physical constitution of an 
atom (primitive molecule) that accords with this idea, if we 
follow out the consequences of a universal force of repulsion. 
he impulsive “waves of translation” that are propagated to 
any atom of ordinary matter, from the universal sea of ether, 
should condense the surrounding ether upon its surface, and 
thus form a permanent ethereal atmosphere around it. 118 
theoretical result, it should be observed, is in accordance with 
one of the inductions of Physical Optics. ee: 
Again, the electric ether, the supposed agent in electrical phe- 
nomena, cannot be very much less subtile 3. 
than the luminiferous ; if so, a portion of 
it posited in the vicinity of an ordinary 
atom, should be condensed around it by 
the ethereal waves, and form an electric 
, immersed in the ethereal atmos- 
S 
Now it is to be observed that both the ethereal atmospher® 
and electric envelope of the atom are in a condition of her 
equilibrium. The forces urging the atoms of the enve 4.8 
toward the central atom are made up of actual recurring 1 
pulses ; and the same is true of those condensing the etheren 
atmosphere. Every such momentary condensation of t 
atinosphere must originate increased repulsive impulses eX 
by this atmosphere upon the portion of the envel 
to it. Also, by our fundamental hypothesis, 
SSS Sr ee eee, ate W var 
