Directed Valence in Polyatomic Molecules

The interactions of atoms in polyatomic molecules are described qualitatively. Particular attention is paid to atoms of the types of F, O, N, C, where the valences come from p electrons. Directional effects are discussed, namely that the two valences of O, and the three of N, tend to be mutually at right angles, and the four of C have tetrahedral symmetry. Numerous examples are given, from the structure of metals and of organic and inorganic compounds. Mathematical treatment is postponed until a later paper.