APPENDIX A LXI 



The theory even made an estimate of 'the size of the atom, as being 

 about one-sixth of that of the motes that dance in a sunbeam. 



This recalls by the error of the scale, an early Greek estimate of 

 the isize of the sun as being about that of tne Peloponnesus. 



The Indian system of philosophy which advocates the atomic 

 theory differs, toto ccelo, from that of Democritus, expounded by Lucre- 

 tius, in this respect, that it offers proofs of tilie existence of God, and of 

 His omnipotence and omniscience, while the othe'r.is atheistic. 



Origin of. the Name of Canada. 



Their direct opposition on this point has given rise in my mind to 

 an interesting historical question, which I hope will prove interesting 

 also ito the literary division of our Society, to whom I propose to hand 

 dt over for examination, viz., was this Indian atomic theory along with 

 the name of its author known in Europe at the time when ^ the first ad- 

 venturers were exploring the American continent, the time of the revival 

 of learning. If so, iwe may have the solution of a problem which has 

 been the cause of much dispute, namely the origin of the name given to 

 a small district in America, concerning which almost the only point 

 of agreement is, that it is Indian. The name has been extended since. 



There might be a similar question concerning Pocahontas County 

 in Virginia, if every one did not know the love story of Pocahontas, 

 lew would recognize the name of a philosopher, if similarly applied. 



But among the scholars of those days the works of Lucretius would 

 be well known for the beauty of his poetry, and, to use the term chosen 

 by George Henry Lewes, the " offensive " character of his opinions ; and 

 correspondingly great would be their satisfaction in finding an older 

 authority on atoms who strongly maintained the doctrine of a Supreme 

 Intelligent Kuler of the Universe. 



Now, remembering that Columbus and the early explorers, for many 

 years after him, believed that they had actually reached India, (a name 

 that in those days covered a large part of China as well as what we now 

 call India) : remembering also the fervid religious zeal by which many of 

 these explorers were animated, is there anything impossible in the snp- 

 ■position tlnat, ,, hearing of this Indian philosopher, and believing they 

 had reached his country, they should give his name to some part of it.'' 

 The name of the Indian philosopher was Canada. 



Canada spelt with a C or a K, as in many' Indian words and names, 

 e.g., Cabul, Candahar, or English words as Kathode, Katherine, Kalen- 

 dar, or America itself, which in some European languages is spelt with 

 a K. Canada exactly as we have it on our post-^ards, requiring no 

 twisting or hacking of the stem to get the familiar form. 



