VIII. On circumstances modifying the action of chemical affinity

Abstract

It is among the facts in chemical science which admit of no dispute, that a substance frequently shows a greater tendency to combine with one body than with another. This has usually received the appellation “ elective attraction,” or "elective affinity.” It is also perhaps universally allowed that the manifestations of this elective affinity are greatly influenced by the insolubility, or the volatility of the original substances, or of the resulting compounds.