f rotation, in both the interior and exterior
portions of the revolving body, like that which pertains to a wheel,
or other solid. It is most obvious, however, that all fluid masses
are, in their gyrations, subject to a different law, as is
exemplified in the foregoing experiment; and this difference, or
departure from the law of solids, is doubtless greater in aeriform
fluids than in those of a denser character.

"The whole experiment serves to demonstrate that such an active
gyration as we have ascribed to storms, and have proved, as we deem,
to appertain to some, at least, of the more violent class; must
necessarily expand and spread out, _by its centrifugal action, the
stratum of atmosphere subject to its influence, and which must,
consequently, become flattened or depressed by this lateral movement,
particularly toward the vortex or center of the storm_; lessening
thereby the weight of the incumbent fluid, and producing a consequent
fall of the mercury in the barometrical tube. This effect must
increase, till the gravity of the circumjacent atmosphere, superadded
to that of the storm itself, shall, by its counteracting effect, have
produced an equilibrium in the two forces. Should there be no
overlaying current in the higher regions, moving in a direction
different from that which contains the storm, the rotative effect
may, perhaps, be extended into the region of perpetual congelation,
till the medium becomes too rare to receive its influence. But
whatever may be the limit of this gyration, its effect must be to
_depress_ the _cold stratum_ of the upper atmosphere, particularly
toward the more central portions of the storm; and, by thus bringing
it in contact with the humid stratum of the surface, to produce a
permanent and continuous stratum of clouds, together with a copious
supply of rain, or a deposition of congelated vapor, according to the
state of the temperature prevailing in the lower region."

The italics in the foregoing extract are mine; and, in relation to it, I
observe:

1st. There is no cylindrical vessel around storms, and _air will not thus
resist air_. Confessedly, such resistance is necessary. Let any one watch
his cigar smoke, and see how readily it moves on, with little momentum.
Let any one try the experiment of creating a whirl in the _open air_, o