THE 
JOURNAL OF SCIENCE. 
MARCH, 1882. 
I. THOUGHTS ON CHEMICAL AFFINITY. 
By Charles Morris. 
N my paper on the Principles of Magnetism, published 
in the “ Journal of Science ” for January and February, 
1882, certain theoretical views were advanced which 
seem susceptible of a wider application than was there given 
them. In the present paper I propose to apply them to the 
phenomena of Chemical Affinity. 
The whole science of Chemistry consists in the investiga- 
tion of the attributes and combining properties of the mole- 
cules of matter. It begins with an investigation of the 
differences and relationships of the bases of the several 
elements — the so-called chemical atoms. It follows with a 
like investigation of the various compounds of these ele- 
ments, and of the peculiarities of attraction which they 
display. Their physical properties, their electrical behaviour, 
&c., are included in the above summary. 
But when we come to ask, What are the properties of 
elementary and compound substances ? we are apt to receive 
a much too diffuse answer. Their colours, tastes, shapes, 
and their physical effects upon the human system, are given 
as distinguishing properties. These characteristics are, of 
course, important as aids to the recognition of substances, 
yet they express only their physiological effects ; their aCtion 
upon light, and through it upon our senses ; or the results 
of their direCt contact with the body. 
But if we consider only the immediate relations of the 
elements with each other, these external characteristics, 
which apply to them principally as masses, disappear. 
VOL. IV. THIRD SERIES) K 
