The Molecular Tactics of a Crystal

"The Molecular Tactics of a Crystal" by William Thomson Kelvin is a scientific exploration that examines the basic geometry of how molecules organize to form crystals, likely from the 1800s. It highlights the patterns and arrangements of molecules in crystals and how these patterns are crucial to understanding the physical features of solid materials. Kelvin uses diagrams and models during his lecture to clarify and explain how molecules line up and orient themselves in arrangements like tetrahedrons and hexagons. He covers the principles of crystallography and considers the geometric factors that are important for comprehending the formation of crystals by mixing theory with examples to show how molecular strategies shape the nature of solids.