We prove existence of a shape and boundary condition independent
thermodynamic limit for fluids and solids of identical particles with electric
or magnetic dipole moments. Our result applies to fluids of hard core
particles, to dipolar soft spheres and Stockmayer fluids, to disordered solid
composites, and to regular crystal lattices. In addition to their permanent
dipole moments, particles may further polarize each other. Classical and
quantum models are treated. Shape independence depends on the reduction in free
energy accomplished by domain formation, so our proof applies only in the case
of zero applied field. Existence of a thermodynamic limit implies texture
formation in spontaneously magnetized liquids and disordered solids analogous
to domain formation in crystalline solids.Comment: 19 pages, 2 figures, published in J. Stat. Phys. vol 93 p109 (1998