Prof. Norton on Molecular Physics. 193 



ducted*. A theory so comprehensive in its scope can be com- 

 pletely substantiated only by undertaking a thorough discussion 

 of the minute details of special phenomena in the several depart- 

 ments of physical science, and subjecting it at all practicable 

 points to the rigid test of numerical calculation. But before any 

 detailed discussions can be entered upon, we must deduce from 

 the fundamental conceptions adopted the general principles of 

 molecular action, or the laws of the molecular forces, note the 

 characteristic features of the different provinces into which the 

 entire field of research is naturally divided, and trace out the 

 general relations which they bear to each other, or, in other 

 words, recognize the mutual dependence and essential correlation 

 of special physical forces. 



The established truths and generally received ideas which 

 form the basis of the theory are as follows : — 



1. All the phenomena of material nature result from the action 

 of force upon matter. 



2. All the forces in operation in nature are traceable to two 

 primary forces, viz. attraction and repulsion. 



3. All bodies of matter consist of separate indivisible parts, 

 called atoms, each of which is conceived to be spherical in form. 



4. Matter exists in three different forms, essentially different 

 from each other. These are (1) ordinary or gross matter, of 

 which all bodies of matter directly detected by our senses either 

 wholly or chiefly consist. (2) A subtile fluid, or aether, asso- 

 ciated with ordinary matter, by the intervention of which all 

 electrical phenomena originate or are produced. This electric 

 aether, as it may be termed, is attracted by ordinary matter, while 

 its individual atoms repel each other. (3) A still more subtile 

 form of aether, which pervades all space and the interstices be- 

 tween the atoms of bodies. This is the medium by which light 

 is propagated, and is called the luminiferous (ether, or the universal 

 aether. The atoms, or " atomcttes," of this sether mutually repel 

 each other; and it is attracted by ordinary matter, and is conse- 

 quently more dense in the interior of bodies than in free space. 



5. Heat, in all its recognized actions upon matter, manifests 

 itself as a force of repulsion. 



The corner stone of a physical theory of molecular phenomena 

 must consist in the conception that is formed of the essential 

 constitution of a single molecule — understanding by a molecule 

 an atom of ordinary matter endued with the properties and in- 

 vested with the arrangements which enable it to exert forces of 



* The principal features of the general theory here propounded have, 

 with few exceptions, been advocated by the author before the Connecticut 

 Academy of Arts and Sciences, at various meetings of the Academy during 

 the last six years. 



