=Mass and extent.=—The total mass of the atmosphere is estimated at five quadrillion tons, or ¹⁄₁₂₀₀₀₀₀ of the mass of the earth. It is relatively dense at the surface of the earth and decreases in density outwards in a manner difficult of absolute determination, so that the actual height of the appreciable atmosphere is not positively known. The true conception of the atmosphere is perhaps that of a tenuous envelope exerting a pressure of about fifteen pounds per square inch at the sea-level, and thinning gradually upwards until it reaches a tenuity which is inappreciable, but perhaps not ceasing absolutely until the sphere of gravitative control of the earth is passed, about 620,000 miles from the lithosphere. In the lower portion, according to the kinetic theory of gases, the molecules fly to and fro, colliding with each other with almost inconceivable frequency, and with very short paths between successive collisions, but in the upper rare portion some of the molecules bound outwards, and do not strike other molecules, and hence pursue long elliptical paths until the gravity of the earth overcomes their momentum, when they return, perhaps to bound off again or to force other molecules to do so. This fountain-like nature of the outer part of the atmosphere makes any sharp definition of its limit impracticable. Some molecules are believed to be shot away at such speed that they do not return. Beyond about 620,000 miles from the surface of the lithosphere, the differential attraction of the sun is greater than that of the earth, and if the attraction of the earth does not turn the molecules back before reaching this distance, they are almost certain to be lost to the earth. The measurement of heights by the aneroid barometer, which is much used in practical geology, is dependent on the lessening of pressure as the instrument is carried upward.