THE MOLECULAR COMPOSITION OF MATTER 87 



the bonds of the carbon are satisfied by the two of the 

 oxygen atom, but the remaining two are available for 

 other combinations. This is apparently the cause of 

 its effects when inhaled. On the other hand, if the 

 combustion of the carbon is complete all four bonds 

 are satisfied by two atoms of oxygen and the resulting 

 compound is carbon dioxide, 



