On the dielectric theory of fluids

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Abstract
This paper is the first in a series designed to incorporate into static dielectric theory the effects of inhomogeneities in both external fields and molecular multipolar fields. By formulating generalized differential expressions for the intermolecular interaction tensors, and by statistically averaging, we obtain expressions for the Maxwell field and field gradient which include contributions from the first and second electrostatic multipole densities. Similarly, for non-polar dielectrics, we obtain appropriate expressions for the local field and field gradient acting on a molecule within a continuum-type approximation. The shielding tensors of macroscopic electrostatics are examined, and are found to be dependent on the precise form of the constitutive relation. The non-linear response of a non-polar dielectric to an inhomogeneous field is studied, and we find a correction to the Clausius-Mossotti equation linear in the applied field gradient.