!(.864.] The Rev. J. Bayma on Molecular Mechanics, \%7 



meclianics has been as yet developed, and how much more is to be done 

 before it reaches its proper perfection. Of course I can do no more than 

 point out the principles on which, according to my views, this new science 

 ought to be grounded. The proofs would require a volume, — and the more 

 so, as existing wide-spread philosophical prejudices will make it my duty to 

 join together both demonstration and refutation. But there will be time 

 hereafter, if necessary, for a complete exposition and vindication of the 

 principles on which I rely ; at present it will be enough for me to state 

 them. 



The aim of "molecular mechanics" is the solution of a problem which 

 includes all branches of physics, and which may be enunciated, in general 

 terms, as follows : — 



" From the knowledge we gain of certain properties of natural substances 

 by observation and experiment, to determine the intrinsic constitution of 

 these substances, and the laws according to which they ought to act and 

 be acted upon in any hypothesis whatever." 



In order to clear the way for the solution of this problem, three things 

 are to be done. 



First. From the known properties of bodies must be deduced the essen- 

 tial principles and intrinsic constitution of matter. 



Secondly. General formulas must be established for the motions of any 

 kind of molecular system, which we conceive may exist in rerum natura. 



Thirdly. We must determine as far as possible the kinds of molecular 

 systems which are suited to the different primitive bodies ; and be pre- 

 pared to make other applications suitable for the explanation of pheno- 

 mena. 



Of these three things, the first, which is the very foundation of mole- 

 cular mechanics, can, I think, be done at once. The second also, though 

 it requires a larger treatment, will not present any great difficulty. The 

 third, however, in this first attempt, can be but very imperfectly accom- 

 plished ; for sciences also have their infancy, nor am I so bold as to ex- 

 pect to be able to do what requires the labour of many : I shall only say 

 so much as may suffice to establish for this science a definite existence and 

 a proper form. 



In order to give an idea of my plan, I will now say a few words on each 

 of these three points. 



I. Principles of Molecular Mechanics. 



First, then, (to say nothing of the name of " molecidar mechanicst^ which 

 will be justified later,) in all bodies we find these three things, extension^ 

 inertia, and active powers^ to one or other of which every property of bodies 

 may be referred. In order therefore to arrive at a clear idea of the con- 

 stitution of natural substances, these three must be diligently investigated. 



Extension. — I have come to the following conclusions on this head, which. 



