times the angular momentum round the centre of the orbit, we are therefore led to the following simple generalization of the hypotheses mentioned on p[p. 15] and [22].
“In any molecular system consisting of positive nuclei and electrons in which the nuclei are at rest relative to each other and the electrons move in circular orbits, the angular momentum of every electron round the centre of its orbit will in the permanent state of the system be equal to
, where
is Planck’s constant”[22].
In analogy with the considerations on [p. 23], we shall assume that a configuration satisfying this condition is stable if the total energy of the system is less than in any neighbouring configuration satisfying the same condition of the angular momentum of the electrons.
As mentioned in the introduction, the above hypothesis will be used in a following communication as a basis for a theory of the constitution of atoms and molecules. It will be shown that it leads to results which seem to be in conformity with experiments on a number of different phenomena.
The foundation of the hypothesis has been sought entirely in its relation with Planck’s theory of radiation; by help of considerations given later it will be attempted to throw some further light on the foundation of it from another point of view.