Making use of results obtained in a previous paper giving the average radial repulsion exerted by a charge $e$ on a charge $e^{\prime }$ when both charges are revolving in circular orbits at a great distance, the author obtains a formula for the force between atoms. He concludes, in reply to a criticism by A. C. Crehore,—

In a passive neutral atom the radial force vanishes completely.

When both atoms are ionized there is a residual force, negligible in comparison with an electrostatic force which may be taken to represent the chemical force between the ions.

When one atom is neutral and the other ionized, the electrostatic force vanishes, leaving a residual force, which is estimated to be too small to play anything but a very small part in chemical actions.

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRev.16.162