A theoretical calculation of the anisotropy of flow for carbon tetrachloride is made using the relative pair distribution determined by the Smoluchowski equation. A mean potential curve has been erected for carbon tetrachloride based on both experimental data and theoretical considerations and satisfying a stringent normalizing condition. These considerations determine the potential curve sufficiently precisely to allow it to be used with confidence for the calculation of anisotropy. The anisotropy is obtained in a form containing the friction constant as a factor so that comparison with the experimental value allows the value of the friction constant to be determined. The value found, namely 3 × 10¹² sec^-1, is of the same order of magnitude as the minimum value for which the Smoluchowski equation is a reasonable approximation. This suggests that the latter equation, though not strictly valid, is still a useful approximation for some liquids.