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XXIV. Phyjical and Meteorological Oh/ef^a- 
tio?ts^ ConjeBures^ and Suppofetions^ by Ben- 
jamin Franklin, L,L, D, and F. R, S, * 
Read June 3, 
1756. 
T H E particles of air are kept at a 
diftance from each other by their 
mutual repullion. 
Every three particles mutually and equally re- 
pelling each other, mufl form an equilateral tri- 
angle. 
All the particles of air gravitate towards the earth, 
which gravitation comprelles them, and fliortens the 
fides of the triangles, otherwife their mutual re- 
pellency would force them to greater diftances from 
each other. 
Whatever particles of other matter (not endued 
with that repellency) are fupported in air, muft ad- 
here to the particles of air, and be fupported by 
them ; for in the vacancies there is nothing they can 
reft on. 
Air and water mutually attradl each other. Hence 
water will diflblve in air, as fait in water. 
The fpecific gravity of matter is not altered by di- 
viding the matter, though the fuperficies be increafed. 
Sixteen leaden bullets, of an ounce each, weigh as 
much in water, as one of a pound, whofe fuper- 
ficies is lefs. 
On reading the preceding paper in the Society, it was rc- 
colle£led that this paper, fimilar in fomc particulars, had been 
communicated to the Society about nine years before, though 
not till now printed. 
Therefore 
