VORTEX-ATOM THEORY 47 



so many vortex rings, distinct and indestructible 

 in form and motion. 



Since the discovery of radio-activity physicists, 

 led by Larmor, now conceive that each atom, like 

 the ring of smoke, consists of still smaller particles, 

 electrons or metabolons, with which the energy is asso- 

 ciated. These smaller particles convey the energy 

 and are the source of the electrical condition of the 

 atom. What they are is still unknown. Their 

 close association with force, and the origin of matter 

 from one primal substance, favours the idea that 

 they are the same as the ether. The atomic con- 

 stitution of the ether has been admitted, and it is 

 by many authorities considered to be the primal 

 substance, or at any rate to form the substratum of 

 matter. It is also thought that it is the electrons 

 which cause the wave-movements in ether which 

 we recognise as heat and light. Further, the atomic 

 weight of the elements varies with the number of 

 electrons in an atom ; an atom of hydrogen is said 

 to contain 1,000, while that of mercury consists of 

 100,000 electrons. 



Atoms are endowed with polarity, which, being 

 aided by affinity, quantivalence, atomicity and 

 isomerism, gives a clue to the construction of 

 inorganic and organic matter which is built up by 

 polar forces. Polarity is a term used to express 

 briefly the generally observed fact, called the 

 principle of polarity, that when energy changes from 

 the passive to the active form, from potential to 

 kinetic, it develops opposite and conflicting forces. 

 There is no action without a contrary and equal 

 reaction, no attraction without repulsion, no positive 



