Molecular

Prof. Morley has already partially solved the definite dynamical problem that I proposed to you last Wednesday (p. 103 above) so far as determining four of the fundamental periods; and you may be interested in knowing the result. He finds roots, κ−2, κ−2, &c, = 3·46, 1·005, ·298, ·087; each root not being very different from three times the next after it. I will not go into the affair any further just now. I just wish to call your attention to what Prof. Morley has already done upon the example that I suggested for our arithmetical laboratory. I think it will be worth while also to work out the energy ratios (p. 74). In selecting this example, I designed a case for which the arithmetic would of necessity be highly convergent. But I chose it primarily because it is something like the kind of thing that presents itself in the true molecule:—An elastic complex molecule consisting of a finite number of discontinuous masses elastically connected (with enormous masses in the central parts, that seems certain): the whole embedded in the ether and acted on by the ether in virtue of elastic connections which, unless the molecule were rigid and embedded in the ether simply like a rigid mass embedded in jelly, must consist of elastic bonds analogous to springs.

I think you will be interested in looking at this model which, by the kindness of Prof. Rowland, I am now able to show you.