30 CHEMISTRY OF SOIL. 



54. If the fourteen elements, which enter into the 

 composition of rocks, had each an equal tendency 

 to unite with the other ; or in other words, if their 

 affinities were mutual, then there would be as many 

 different combinations as it would be possible to 

 form with fourteen different substances. If these 

 combined in all proportions, then the possible num- 

 ber of combinations, would be infinite. 



55. This can never be. Affinity is not equally 

 powerful. There is election or choice among the 

 particles of inanimate matter. When the Creator 

 impressed this property upon matter, He also limit- 

 ed its combinations. He assigned to each atom, 

 power to combine with other atoms, only in fixed, 

 definite, invariable proportions. He gave to each 

 atom its form, weight, and measure. And thus 

 were limited, the number of combinations, and the 

 proportions fixed, in which these combinations should 

 ever, from the dawning, to the end of time, occur. 

 The Genius of modern chemistry, has taught, that 

 all bodies combine, only by infinitely small particles. 

 Holding her balance over invisible elements, she 

 has taught, that each of the fourteen (45) is but an 

 atom, which can be weighed and measured. 



56. Calculating on these fixed principles, the pro- 



