Page:Experimental researches in chemistry and.djvu/371

356 them into two series of ordinary advancing waves moving directly across the course of the wind in opposite directions. But as such series could not be caused by the wind exerted in a manner similar to that by which ordinary waves are produced (the direction being entirely opposed to such an idea), I think the effect is due to the water acquiring an oscillatory condition similar to those described, probably influenced in some way by the elastic nature of the air itself (124) and analogous to the vibration of the strings of the Æolian harp, or even to the vibration of the columns of air in the organ-pipe and other instruments with embouchures.

These ridges were strong enough to arrange the sand beneath, where ordinary wave had not been powerful enough to give form to the surface.

123. All the phenomena as yet described are such as take place at the surfaces of those fluids in common language considered as inelastic, and in which the elasticity they possess performs no necessary part; nor is it possible that they could be produced within their mass. Buton extending the reasoning, it does not seem at all improbable that analogous effects should take place in gases and vapour, their elasticity supplying that condition necessary for vibration which in liquids is found in an abrupt termination of the mass by an unconfined surface.

124. If this be so, then a plate vibrating in the atmosphere may have the air immediately in contact with it separated into numerous portions, forming two alternating sets like the heaps described (95); the one denser, and the other rarer than the ordinary atmosphere; these sets alternating with each other by their alternate expansion and condensation with each vibration of the plate.

125. With the hope of discovering some effect of this kind, a flat circular tin plate had a raised edge of tin three quarters of an inch high fixed on all round, and the plate was then attached to a lath (69), a little lycopodium put on to it, and vibrated powerfully, so that the powder should form a mere cloud in the air, which, in consequence of the raised edge and the equal velocity (70) of all parts of the plate, had no tendency to collect. It was seen immediately that in place of a uniform cloud a misty honeycomb appearance was produced, the whole being in a quivering condition; and on exerting the attention to