72 MINUTENESS OF ATOMS. 



nia is magnified by an oxy- hydrogen micros- 

 cope, it is seen to shoot into many hundred thou- 

 sand small crystals, (each of which must contain 

 at least as many ultimate atoms,) which coalesce 

 into one symmetrical solid crystal ; yet are they all 

 governed and arranged by number, measure, and 

 weight. An ultimate particle of lead, which is 

 104 times larger than an atom of hydrogen, is 

 estimated by Dr. Thomson as only _-JL__th of 



^ ** olUjUuUjUUUjUUU 



a grain. Yet, if the igneous ather which surrounds 

 these molecules be a material agent, its particles 

 must be inconceivably smaller. We can no more 

 measure the ultimate minuteness of this spiritual 

 and fiery essence than we can comprehend the 

 infinitude of space and duration. We are less 

 amazed on contemplating the vast cycles of geo- 

 logy and astronomy, than by attempting to follow 

 nature in her smallest proportions. We know not 

 the absolute weights of gravitating atoms, but we 

 know from the preceding facts, especially those 

 on which the law of multiples is founded, that 

 they vary in size. We know not the forms of 

 ultimate atoms, nor whether they are all of the 

 same density ; but as all bodies in the liquid 

 state are disposed to assume a round form, we 

 may conclude that they are spherical, and that 

 the various forms of crystalline bodies are deter- 

 mined by the modes in which their particles are 

 grouped and arranged. 



Dr. Prout has recently maintained that the 



