As the pendulum reaches a corresponding stage in each swell or ebb, elements of curiously corresponding characteristics result. Now the pendulum returns, the ebb set!'! in, negative elements are formed until the center is reached, when a new impetus is given, and new creations result in similar order. So far, positive elements only had been created in regular progression of atomic weight and of valency. A few thousands of years later it had got as far as lithium next came beryllium, boron, and carbon. What is to be noticed is this: When energy first acted on protyle, its first accomplishment was the formation of the hydrogen atom. It will be found complete in this journal for' September 25, 1886. It is not necessary to continue the diagram, which is a modification of one first drawn by Professor Emerson Reynolds. Crookes in all the steps of his argument) see how these elements group themselves, and notice the regular ebb and flow of the formation. Each new formation would tend to the formation of others by refrigerating the surrounding protyle, and we should get sets of atoms of regular progressive weight. These atoms would then be themselves stores of energy, kinetic from their internal motions, and potential from their tendency to coalesce with other atoms by gravitation or chemically. The energy has period* of swell and ebb, and it forces the protyle to itself and to develop first the lightest of atoms, say hydrogen. Now suppose in the midst of this protyle the introduction of external energy in some form or other, and an internal action corresponding to cooling. Crookes himself happily, but vaguely, terms it. Crookes assumes a condition which he designates “protyle,” the “proteule” of Aristotle, the formless stuff of the Book of Wisdom, the materia prima, the unknown and unknowable origin of matter, the “fire mist,” as Mr. What was the condition before the atoms had themselves come into shape, if, indeed, they are not eternal, when creation was, in the expressive language of Scripture, “without form and void”? Mr. Crookes takes us back a [few steps farther. A few weeks since, Sir William Thomson narrated to a similar audience his idea of the way in which the sun was formed some twenty millions of years since, by the rushing together of atoms in such quantity and with such force as to provide a source of heat for this solar system up to the present date and about ten million years longer. He has lately presented his ideas again in rather more popular language to the fashionable world of science assembled in Albemarle Street, and many of the keenest minds in England are pondering his theory. Crookes detailed his speculations on the genesis of the elements at the last meeting of the British Association, and we then reported his address in full. They stretch like an unknown sea before us, mocking, mystifying, and murmuring strange revelations and possibilities.” Mr. after nil, is something profoundly unsatisfactory.elements perplex us in our researches, baffie us in our speculations, and haunt us in our very dreams. Crookes at the Royal Institution recently, 'oj that unless some approach to an answer to these questions can be found, our chemist-rv. The strange revelations of modern chemistry in relation to the nature of the so-called elements have kindled among all scientific student!'! an intensely eager anticipation of the discovery of some simple scheme into which all the accumulated facts shall drop in natural connection, of the thread which links the myriad observations of patient explorers into a perfect chain. Once proved to the dignity of a “law,” it becomes a thing to be learnt, and exchanges the charm of an uncertain denouement for the cold severity of a lesson. NOTHING is so fascinating in science as an ingenious, but unproved, theory. By purchasing a subscription you are helping to ensure the future of impactful stories about the discoveries and ideas shaping our world today. If you're enjoying this article, consider supporting our award-winning journalism by subscribing.
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