184 FORMATION OF COMPOUND BODIES. 



When we reflect on the penetrating powerof 

 the solar rays, and that the most solid and 

 compact bodies are melted and dissipated by 

 them* when they are concentrated, and brought 

 to a focus ; when we see the change total, and 

 complete, which takes place between different 

 portions of matter, by chemical combination ; 

 we shall be led to conclude that these effects, 

 can only have been accomplished, by the pri- 

 mary particles of those bodies having been pe- 

 netrated ; and that the new arrangements which 

 have taken place, altogether proceed from the 

 penetrability which the most minute particles of 

 matter have the capacity to undergo. The pe- 

 netrability of matter, may be considered as a fact, 

 which rests upon evidence the most notorious 

 and self-evident, and appears to be as demon- 

 strable as the attribute of extension itself. We 

 may be permitted to predicate the penetrabi- 

 lity of matter, without incurring the absurdity 

 which has been so much dreaded ; that in that 

 case, two bodies would necessarily exist in the 

 same place, at one and the same time. 



An inquiry, therefore, into the source 

 whence compound bodies are formed, the na- 

 ture of the materials of which they are com- 

 posed, and in which their secondary qualities 

 reside, becomes absolutely necessary. I shall, 

 therefore, proceed to detail the various processes 

 classification and calorification, of refrigeration 



