"When we consider that all elastic fluids are equally expanded by temperature, and that liquids and solids are not so, it should seem that a general law for the affection of elastic fluids for heat, ought to be more easily deducible and more simple than for liquids, or for solids.—There are three suppositions in regard to elastic fluids which merit discussion. 1. Equal weights of elastic fluids may have the same quantity of heat under like circumstances of temperature and pressure. The truth of this supposition is disproved by several facts... 2. Equal bulks of elastic fluids may have the same quantity of heat with the same pressure and temperature. This appears much more plausible... But... considerations... render this supposition extremely improbable, if they do not altogether disprove it. ... 3. The quantity of heat belonging to the ultimate particles of all elastic fluids, must be the same under the same temperature and pressure. It is evident the number of ultimate particles or molecules in a given weight or volume of one gas is not the same as in another... The only answer that can be given... is this.—The particles will condense their respective atmospheres of heat, by which their mutual repulsion will be diminished, and the external pressure will therefore effect a proportionate condensation in the volume of air: neither an increase nor diminution in the quantity of heat around each molecule, or around the whole, will take place. Hence the truth of the supposition, or... proposition, is demonstrated. Corol. 1. The specific heats of equal weights of any two elastic fluids, are inversely as the weights of their atoms or molecules. Corol. 2. The specific heats of equal bulks of elastic fluids, are directly as their specific gravities, and inversely as the weights of their atoms. Corol. 3. Those elastic fluids that have their atoms the most condensed, have the strongest attraction for heat; the greater attraction is spent in accumulating more heat in a given space or volume, but does not increase the quantity around any single atom. Corol. 4. When two elastic atoms unite by chemical affinity to form one elastic atom, one half of their heat is disengaged, &c. And in general, when m elastic particles by chemical union become n; the heat given out is to the heat retained as m-n is to n."