274 Researches in ike Theory and Calculus of Operations. 



numerical proportion, their combination may be effected 

 by the application of the electric spark, or of the force of 

 heat which enlarges the atomic radii by setting the atoms 

 in vibratory motion : the encountering vibrations tend to 

 equalize each other; and finally as in the* example of the 

 two musical strings, unison takes place in combination. 

 When oxygen and hydrogen are mixed in combining pro- 

 portions, the stimulus of the electric spark is needed to upset 

 the equilibrium of the atoms of the two elements; which, 

 being supplied, combination follows with rapidity and vio- 

 lence, and the resultant appears in the form of steam, which 

 deposits in dew or liquid water. Here, as in many chemical 

 operations, the result is given in the form of stable equili- 

 brium, brought about by one single effort, and stays made. 



16. When a strip of zinc is partially immersed in diluted 

 sulphuric acid contained in a glass jar, the atoms of acidu- 

 lated water have their equilibrium disturbed on the side in 

 contact with the superficial atoms of the zinc, which of 

 course disturbs the equilibrium of the opposite side of the 

 atoms of liquid. Assuming that the ratio of atomic energy 

 between the acid and zinc is nearer unity than it is between 

 the acid and water, then equilibrium between the acid and 

 zinc arises by combination, and the water is set free; a coat 

 of oxide soon forms upon the zinc, and further action ceases. 

 If now a strip of copper be similarly immersed on the op- 

 posite side of the jar, a new disturbance takes place, extend- 

 ing through the aqueous atoms between the copper and 

 zinc, which, however, proceeds but slowly and not far. But 

 if the surfaces of the metals be cleaned, and the free ends of 

 the copper and zinc be connected by a conducting wire, 

 action and reaction is recommenced and will continue for 

 a considerable time. The energy of the zinc, transmitted 

 through the fluid to the copper slip, is conducted through 

 the copper and conducting wire around to the zinc slip, 

 where the same round of action is repeated, the activity of 



