Sir J. J. Thomson has shown that if two atoms combine, consisting of electrons round positive nuclei, the arrangement of the two combining electrons is as shown in the following figures, the two electrons taking up a lateral position and being both attractedby the +ve nuclei, A and B.

If, on the other hand, the electrons are replaced by magnetons, it has apparently been assumed that the two nearest magnetons on the approaching atom will mutually attract each other, and rotate to face each other, taking up a position as shown in the following diagram.