On the Origin of the Atomic Theonj. 369 



particle of sulpliur was of the same weight with that of the oxy- 

 gen, and consequently that the size of the calorific atmosphere 

 of the acid atom was as large as that of tlie ultimate particle of 

 oxygen before the miioii. 



A diagram, representing this combination, with numbers ex- 

 pressive of the force of union comparatively with that of the 

 constituents of water, is given. 



2. An ultimate particle of sulphur is capable of uniting to 

 two ultimate particles of oxygen, and the compound is an atom 

 of sulphuric acid. The;?e are the deiimte proportions in which 

 those two elements can unite. 



3. The two portions of ONVgen are united with less energy in 

 the sulphuric acid than the one proportion in sulphurous acid. 

 A diagram with numbers representing this ditference was intro- 

 duced. 



Metah and Oxygen, 



The ultimate particles of some metals, — I instanced iron,— 

 attract oxvgen with greater force than those of sulphur or hy- 

 drogen do. This superiority of force was also expressed by 

 numbers. 



The relative forces with which the foregoing inflammable 

 bases attracted oxvgen, and the diminution of this force by double 

 doses of oxvgen, enabled me to calculate the changes and dif- 

 ferent phaenomena which are produced by metallic subtances when 

 exposed to the action of sulphuric acid, dilute sulphuric acid, 

 and sulphurous acid. It enabled me not only to point out the 

 absurdity of the phlogistians, but also the errors of the antiphlo- 

 gistians themselves. What I here assert will be found verified 

 in my Com [juiu live I'ieiv, or in my Aluinic Theory. 



Azote and Oxygen. 



1. One ultimate particle of azote and one of oxygen chemi- 

 cally united constitute an atom of the gaseous oxide of azote. 



2 When united to two of oxygen an atom of nitrous ^as is 

 formed. 



3. When the particle of azote is united to three particles of 

 oxvgen an atom of the red nitrous acid is formed. 



4. Wh(Mi the azote unites to a fourth particle of oxygen an 

 atom of the straw-coloured nitrous acid is the result. 



5. When united to a fifth particle of oxygen an atom of nitric 

 acid is formed. These are the definite proportions of oxygen 

 and azote. 



All the foregoing distinct compounds of azote and oxygen, and 



the different forces with which they retain their oxygen, are re- 



Vol. -ib. No. 223. Nov. IblG. A a " presented 



