398 Maxivell-Boltzmann Doctrine of Kinetic Energy. [Apr. 28, 



4 B 



C 



included in the average, the average of the sum of the potential and 

 kinetic energies of A is equal to the average kinetic energy of C. But 

 the potential energy of A at every point in the space HK is positive, 

 because, according to our supposition, the velocity of A is diminished 

 during every time of its motion from H towards K, and increased to 

 the same value again during motion from K to H. Hence, the 

 average kinetic energy of A is less than the average kinetic energy 

 of C ! 



This is a test-case of a perfectly representative kind for the theory 

 of temperature, and it effectually disposes of the assumption that the 

 temperature of ? solid or liquid is equal to its average kinetic energy 

 per atom, which Maxwell pointed out as a consequence of the sup- 

 posed theorem, and which, believed to be thus established, has been 



