regard to Crystallization. 269 



edges, but sideways (i. e. in all conceivable modes) ; so that in 

 this case a certain amount of sliding or play of the ring 

 molecules over each other would be possible before they finally 

 separate (which occurs when the substance is broken into 

 parts). On the other hand, it appears equally evident that 

 this sliding or play would be impossible in that case where 

 the molecules are united symmetrically at their extreme boun- 

 daries or edges, so as to build up the crystalline structure. 

 The above inference would at least be consistent with the ob- 

 served fact that non-crystalline masses (such as hammered 

 iron, for instance) are found to allow a certain amount of play 

 or sliding of their ultimate parts over each other, before they 

 finally separate. Crystalline masses, on the other hand (cast 

 iron, for example), are found to break with any attempt to 

 alter the position of their parts. These conditions of ring 

 molecules (capable of bending into various forms within cer- 

 tain limits) might also possibly throw some light on the fact 

 that the same substance may have occasionally various crys- 

 talline forms and sometimes even no crystalline form at all. 

 Sulphur, for instance, may be brought (as is known) into a 

 non-crystalline (amorphous) state, when it can be stretched 

 like india-rubber. Other examples might be given. 



It appears evident that, in addition to the bending of the 

 peripheries of the elastic rings, the transverse sections (where 

 in contact) would also flatten somewhat under the pressure 

 due to the streams of aether atoms, which tend energetically 

 to cause a closer approach. Under this flattening of the con- 

 tiguous surfaces the lines of contact would come to have a 

 measurable (though small) breadth, thereby increasing the 

 area of shelter, and consequently the energy with which 

 the ring molecules are made to cohere. This flattening of 

 the contiguous surfaces would also have the effect of increas- 

 ing the limits of elasticity of the whole structure. When the 

 ring molecules are gradually pulled apart, there would first 

 naturally be a gradual recovery of the circular form of periphery 

 and diminution of the flattening (where contact exists), the 

 area of shelter thereby becoming less and less, until finally, 

 when the peripheries of the ring molecules are nearly separate, 

 their energetic natural tendency to recover their normal (cir- 

 cular) form would no doubt. cause them to spring apart, pro- 

 vided the tendency to recovery of form predominated over the 

 residual impulsive tendency to approach (produced by the 

 streams of atoms). Might not this possibly be capable of 

 throwing some light on the observed mutual repulsion of the 

 parts of substances when first brought into proximity, and 

 their (contrary) impulsion towards each other (union) when 



Phil Mag. S. 5. Vol. 9. No. 56. April 1880. U 



