  A semiclassical model, based on a solution of the Vlasov equation for finite
systems with moving-surface, is employed to study the isoscalar dipole modes in
nuclei. It is shown that, by taking into account the surface degree of freedom,
it is possible to obtain an exact treatment of the centre of mass motion. It is
also shown that a method often used to subtract the spurious strength in RPA
calculations does not always give the correct result. An alternative analytical
formula for the intrinsic strength function is derived in a simple
confined-Fermi-gas model. In this model the intrinsic isoscalar dipole strength
displays essentially a two-resonance structure, hence there are two relevant
modes. The interaction between nucleons couples these two modes and changes the
compressibility of the system. The evolution of the strength profile is then
studied as a function of the compressibility of the nuclear fluid. Comparison
with available data favours values of the incompressibility parameter of
nuclear matter smaller than those suggested by the analysis of the monopole
``breathing'' mode.
