On the Identity of Silcx and Oxygen; \^ 



salt is not a binary compound, we may then fairly suspect 

 an imperfection ; for, one of the elements at least is fre- 

 quently in the state of mere suspension, and not in chemical 

 union with either of the other ingredients. 



There are, indeed, numberless examples of such salts, 

 and, I am ready to allow, some in which silex is found, 

 whether as a mere contingency or otherwise ; but it never 

 exists as a perfect base, that is, possessing the capability of 

 saturating the whole, or any part of the acid in sivch com- 

 positions. 



If silex be, what I have long considered it, not only dis* 

 similar to every elementary ponderable material besides, 

 especially in generic characters, but, also, so vastly superior 

 in its importance and bulk, as to leave no room for compa- 

 rison ; surely it ought then to be instantly removed, and no 

 longer suffered to remain in the list of earths, but should be 

 placed in the most prominent station in the arrangement 

 of elements. Such is its consequence, that nothing in na- 

 ture is so predominant or so universally disseminated ; no 

 compound solid substance of any magnitude is exempt from 

 it, but contains always some, if not a very large portion of 

 this insinuating, and as I conjecture, most essential of all 

 terrestrial matter. 



All organised bodies either contain silex, or, what I shall 

 consider as a modification, oxygen. If there be any excep- 

 tions to this conclusion, they are so few and of such trivial 

 import, that when they do occur they should be rated as 

 anomalies ; and it may happen, that the apparent absence of 

 silex or oxygen is rather to be attributed to our want of 

 means, and the imperfection of science to discover it. 



In a geological view of this subject, where can we turn 

 our eyes or employ our thoughts, without meeting this grand 

 and multifarious cement' — this bond of aggregation, that fixes 

 the solidity of all tangible nature ? The very outlines of our 

 planet are traced out with it; and all primitive matter, from 

 the most stupendous mountani or rage^ed precipice to the 

 deepest cavern, even to the centre of gravitation, we arc 

 warranted to say, is replete with silcx. If we contemplate 

 the nature, volume, and importance of this, and then rccol- 



L 4 lect 



