Outlines of a course of lectures on chemical philosophy: or, of a theory which considers attraction, repulsion, electricity, caloric, light, &c. as the diversified phenomena and effects of one power / By Matthew Allen, lecturer, &c.

  • Allen, Matthew
Date:
1819
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Outlines of a course of lectures on chemical philosophy: or, of a theory which considers attraction, repulsion, electricity, caloric, light, &c. as the diversified phenomena and effects of one power / By Matthew Allen, lecturer, &c. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    qualities of the particles, and the qualifying circumstances attending the combination. What are the specific qualities of the particles, and modifying cir¬ cumstances, by which we can explain and determine why certain par¬ ticles combine with some, in preference to others? or rather, why they always unite and separate, in the same order, in the same circumstances. If every single particle be invested with the property of attraction, and if we can suppose any one uninfluenced by the contending attractions of surrounding particles, or of attraction without its surface, then it would follow', that the form of this particle must be Globular ; and thus I think we may explain and determine the great question of the ultimate or primary form of particles ; but they neither are, nor can be, so placed ; they are every where influenced by the contending attractions of surrounding particles, and of this same all pervading influence which surrounds them; and must, therefore, as it draws them in one w ay rather than another, with a greater or less degree of force, and as they are more or less susceptible of motion, and within the sphere of action, alter this form; hence I have said, Chemical affinity depends on the quantity, intensity, and direction of this agent, which different particles are capable of im¬ parting or receiving to each other, and these are regulated by their va¬ rious degrees of capacity, solubility, gravity, and conducting power. Their differences in capacity, or power of containing or retaining, w ill vary the quantity. On the different degrees of solubiltv, tenuity, and mo¬ bility, depends their susceptibility of forming points and angles, which w ill vary the facility or intensity of its being imparted by one, and received by
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