THE THEORY OF IONS 



I.INTKODUCTION 



MATTER is subjected to a variety of chemical and 

 physical changes. Any change which matter under- 

 goes without destroying its integrity is regarded as 

 physical ; but any change which involves a structural 

 alteration of its molecules is chemical. Matter is 

 unstable ; change is constantly occurring. Life is 

 the result of many changes in matter, by which it 

 is organised, becomes motile and sentient. 



According to the Atomic theory all matter consists 

 of particles so infinitesimal as to admit of no 

 division. These are the first principles or com- 

 ponents of all bodies. They unite atom with atom 

 or in proportion of some simple multiple of atoms 

 to form molecules. Molecules are the smallest 

 particles of matter which exist in a free and inde- 

 pendent state ; they consist of two or more atoms of 

 one or more kinds of matter. 



Matter and force are changeable but indestructible, 

 and there are two chief theories in respect of them. 

 According to the kinetic theory of substance, the 

 atoms are separate dead particles of matter which 

 dance to and fro, and act upon other particles of 



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