210 Prof. Norton on Molecular Physics. 



insight into the probable nature of the process of origination of 

 the sun's spots. Conceiving the luminous matter of the sun's 

 photosphere to be endued with the properties we have recog- 

 nized in those emanations of solar matter that enter the earth's 

 photosphere (/. c. pp.. 275-280), we may regard it as inductively- 

 magnetized by the sun's magnetic currents, and disposed in the 

 lines of magnetic polarization, and probably also distributed into 

 separate masses having in the various latitudes all the diverse 

 directions of the sun's directive force. We have reason to sup- 

 pose that in the upper portions of such masses the molecules on 

 each line of polarization will be so widely separated as to be sub- 

 ject to an effective force of molecular repulsion from the sun (/. c. 

 p. 272), and that in the state of equilibrium this is neutralized by 

 the magnetic attraction between contiguous molecules. Now such 

 a state of equilibrium may be disturbed, and the matter expelled 

 to an indefinite distance in three ways, — (1) by demagnetiza- 

 tion ; (2) by electric discharges along the lines of polarization ; 

 (3) by both of these causes operating together. A demagneti- 

 zation may result, as we have seen, from the new currents deve- 

 loped in the upper photosphere by the tangential action of the 

 sether and cosmical matter ; and electric discharges may ensue 

 in consequence of the propagation of electric waves in every 

 direction from the region (in long. 253°, and N. lat. 57°) that 

 receives the impulses from the gether and cosmical matter nor- 

 mally. The points of greatest and least demagnetization should 

 be such as have been already indicated (p. 209). But the pho- 

 tospheric matter should also be subject to the molecular repul- 

 sion of the masses of the different planets; and one effect of the 

 impulses of this force should be to develope electric waves or 

 currents proceeding from the region normally exposed to them. 

 Such waves are of the same character, and originate essentially 

 in the same manner as the "radial currents" that we have 

 recognized as playing a conspicuous part in terrestrial magnetic 

 phenomena (/. c. pp. 271-272). They should be most energetic, 

 as in the case of these radial currents, at a certain moderate 

 distance from the point directly under the planet, i. e. in low 

 latitudes. On the other band, it is to be observed that for a 

 certain distance from this point the repulsive force of the 

 planet may check the expulsion of the solar matter by its direct 

 action. 



The tendency to the formation of spots should be wanting at 

 the permanent magnetic equator (or rotation equator), because 

 the lines of polarization are there parallel to the surface and the 

 induced magnetism feeble. Again, the effect of demagnetization 

 should be greatest in low latitudes, where the total magnetic in- 

 tensity is the least, and where also the new demagnetizing cur- 



