on the Chemical Compounds of Azote avd Oxi/gen,&'c. 249 



On the other hand, in the following order they will have a 

 chemical action on each other, so as to produce a partial de- 

 composition. 



1 and 2 will take one portion of its oxygen from I and 4, and 

 1 and 3 will be produced between them both. 



1 and 3 will also deprive 1 and 5 of one portion of its oxy- 

 gen, and 1 and 4 will be the result. 



The foregoing facts are founded on experiments, and they 

 prove that mv proportions are indisputably correct. 



I will here make one remark on Mr. Dalton's symbols ; — tViat 

 is, he unites my 1 and 1 to my 1 and 2 to form an atom of red 

 nitrous acid, and my 1 and 2 with 1 and 3 to form an atom of 

 nitric acid. Now these atoms are incapable of uniting che- 

 mically, as I stated above. 



Considering that those distinctions of the definite proportions 

 in which azote and oxygen unite to form the foregoing different 

 compounds originated with me, as had been often stated, and 

 which facts and dates render as clear as possible, it is really ex- 

 traordinary that Mr. Dalton should net even mention my name 

 in treating on this small part of my system, were I ever so wrong 

 in my calculation. But the wonder will cease when it is con- 

 sidered that he brings forward as his own my diagrams, which 

 represent the proportions in Avhich the particles of the different 

 elements unite so as to form distinct atoms, in a mutilated and 

 discordant state in the form of symbols, in order to disguise them 

 from the original. But what is still worse, in those symbols of 

 his, monstrous proportions are represented, which Nature never 

 produced. 



I am inclined to think that Mr.Dalton himself, after what has 

 passed respecting him and me, and after three or four years si- 

 lence on the subject, would never come forward with his old 

 song so wretchedly set to music, — if such I can call his symbols, — 

 without making some apology for what has lately passed on the 

 subject of the atomic theory. It must be a rjise de guerre of 

 one of his friends, and 1 strongly susj^ect who the person is; but 

 as Mr. Dalton's name is to the paper, and no doubt with his 

 consent, he alone should be addressed. It is very much to be 

 lamented that science should be infested with such juggling. 



There are at present a certain number of writers on chemistry, 

 who, to tlie disgrace of the nineteenth century, make it a common 

 practice to play into each other's hands, and to deprive men of 

 superior talents and information of the originality of their dis- 

 coveries ; and should it happen that they cannot take immediate 

 possession of them, they pass them by unnoticed in their com- 

 oilations until a more favourable opportunity offers. This shame- 

 ful 



