SIMPLE 150DIES. 329 



It is thus that we find the same elementary prin- 

 ciple presenting itself in every form of matter, under 

 the most Protean shapes. Numerous phenomena of 

 even a more striking character than those selected, are 

 exhibited in every department of chemistry ; but within 

 the limits of this essay it is impracticable to speak 

 of any beyond those which directly explain natural 

 phenomena. 



The chemical elements, which actually exist in nature 

 as simple bodies, are probably but few. Most of the 

 gases are in all probability compounds of some ethereal 

 ultimate principles ; and with the advance of science we 

 may fairly hope to discover the means of reducing some 

 of them to a yet more simple state. 



Curious relations, which can be traced through certain 

 bodies, lead us to believe that they may be only modified 

 conditions of one element. Flint and charcoal do not at 

 first appear allied; but carbon in some of its states 

 approaches very near to the condition of silicon, the 

 metallic base of flint. When we remember the differences 

 which are evident in three forms of one body coke, 

 graphite, and diamond the dissimilitude between flint, 

 a quartz crystal, and carbon, will cease to be a strong 

 objection to the speculation. 



Phosphorus, sulphur, and selenium, have many pro- 

 perties in common. Iodine, bromine, chlorine, and 

 fluorine, appear to belong to the same group. Iron and 

 nickel, and cobalt, have a close relation. Silver and 

 lead are usually combined, and exhibit a strong relation- 

 ship. Gold, platinum, and the rarer metals, have so 

 many properties in common, that they may form a 

 separate group from all the others. 



Indeed, a philosophical examination of the elements 

 now supposed to constitute the material world, enables 

 us to divide them into about six well-defined groups. 

 Wide differences exist within these groups ; but still we 



