FUNDAMENTAL PROPERTIES OF THE ELEMENTS—RICHARDS. 215 
of the elements is determined by several fundamental tendencies 
which may be compared to the Mendelian characters of the modern 
theory of heredity? If these characters recur at different intervals 
as the atomic weight increases, a given rhythm occurring at first 
would necessarily be obliterated toward the end of the system. To 
change the analogy and borrow a term from the nomenclature of 
light, we may say that the tendencies which produce the curves in 
this diagram, might first reénforce and afterwards interfere with one 
another, because they possess different wave lengths. At first, 
overlapping might accentuate one set of properties; later the changing 
relation might annihilate this set of properties and cause another. 
Thus, all the varieties of material may be functions of some few 
fundamental characteristics which progress at different rates as the 
atomic weights increase. 
Any attempt to discover the nature of these fundamental tenden- 
cies must be of a highly speculative character. In our ignorance we 
can not distinguish between cause and effect. The well-known defi- 
nite relations of the spectrum lines suggest that at least one of the 
essential requirements for the existence of an atom may be suscep- 
tibility to certain definite harmonic vibrations; those compressible 
atoms capable of vibrating in certain rhythms may be permanent, 
whilst other aggregations may be unstable. The gap in the periodic 
system where ekaiodine and ekacesium should be, and the amazing 
instability of the elements immediately following, supports the 
notion. 
But here we have a cosmic puzzle for future solution. To-day we 
lack adequate data; we are blocked at every turn by our ignorance; 
therefore, the immediate problem is to discover and test each step 
as carefully as possible. When the facts have been ascertained, 
man will have a solid basis upon which to build his future super- 
structure of theoretical interpretation. 
The quest is not dictated by mere curiosity alone. Ali organic 
life is actuated by chemical energy, and exists in a mechanism and 
environment composed of chemical substances; and the effort to 
understand these essential conditions of human existence constitutes 
one of the most important objects of human endeavor. Superficial 
observation of the complex phenomena of life can do but little; as 
Faraday well knew, patient study of the fundamental laws of the 
physical universe alone can help to unravel the interwoven threads. 
Health, well-being, and a profound philosophic outlook are alike 
_dependent upon the result. No one can predict how far we shall be 
enabled by means of our limited intelligence to penetrate into the 
mysteries of a universe immeasurably vast and wonderful; never- 
theless, each step in advance is certain to bring new blessing to 
humanity and new inspiration to greater endeavor. 
