FUNDAMENTAL PROPERTIES OP 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 reenforce 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 ekacassium 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. All 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. 



