l ( i' The Ottawa Naturalist. 



a gas in which all the energy is translational ; in other words, its molecule 

 consists of one atom, and in this respect resembles mercury gas at a high 

 temperature. 



All attempts and they have been many to combine a-gon with 

 other elements have failed. Conditions have been altered, but with the 

 same result. It, therefore, well deserves the name given it, whuh is 

 derived from the Greek and means inert. So far, its inertness 

 is without a parallel in chemical science. I ought to mention 

 that within the last month, M. Berthelot has announced that he has 

 by means of the silent electric discharge got argon to combine with 

 several organic bodies. Details of these results are promised at an 

 early date. 



Avogadro's hypothesis demands that the density of a gas should be 

 half its molecular weight. The density of argon is 20 [approximately], 

 its molecular we'ght must therefore be 40. The physical data go to 

 show that it is monatomir, i.e. the atom and l"ne molecule are identical, 

 hence its atomic weight, if it be an element, is 40. The definite physi- 

 cal constants obtained by Olszewski certainly go to prove its elementary 

 nature. 



Finally, is there a place for a new element of such atomic weight 

 in Mendeleef's periodic system? It does not appear so. The question, 

 therefore, arises, whether the periodic classification of the elements that 

 of late years has received no such attention from chemists, is altogether 

 a 1 omplete and accurate one. May there not be elements that do not 

 find a place there? Further work will no doubt throw light on this 

 1111] ortant matter. 



Argon has been sought for in mineral and vegetable matter, but so 

 far in vain. The atmosphere, of winch it constitutes about one one 

 hundred and twenty fifth part by volume, appears to be its only habitat. 

 It is altogether too early to ask regarding the commen nil or 

 utilitarian value o( this discovery. I have no doubt that ere long we 

 shall know of the part perhaps a very important part that it plays in 

 the economy of nature and probably in the arts and manufactures of the 

 day. This discovery undoubtedly marks the highest achievement 

 in the chemistry of the times, but it must not be forgotten that a very 

 large part of the work was plotted and successfully carried out by one 

 who occupies a first place among the advanced physicist's of the day. 





