SCIENCE OF COMMON THINGS. 



Divisibility of matter. Atoms. Particles. 



would by pouring in so much more water as would fill the space occupied 

 by the needle. 



15 Why witt water, or any other liquid, poured into a funnel, closely 

 inserted in the mouth of a bottle, or decanter, run over the sides f 



Because the air filling the bottle, and having no 

 means of escape, prevents the fluid from entering the 

 bottle ; but if the funnel be lifted from the neck of the 

 bottle a little, so as to afford the air an opportunity to 

 escape, the water will then flow into the bottle in an 

 uninterrupted stream. 



ie What is the figure of a body f 



Its form or shape, as expressed by its boundaries or 

 terminating extremities. 



17 What is meant by the divisibility of matter t 



Its property, or capability of being divided. 



18 Is matter capable of being divided into separate portions infinitely or 

 without limit f 



So far as we are able to perceive with our senses, all 

 matter is capable of being divided into separate por- 

 tions without limit; yet the recent investigations of 

 chemistry have proved beyond a doubt, that there is 

 a point beyond which matter is no longer divisible. 

 Such a portion of matter as cannot be divided we call 

 an atom. 



19 WJiai ffien is an atom of matter f 



A particle so minute, as to admit of no division. 

 Atoms are conceived to be the first principles or com- 

 ponent parts of all bodies. 



The extent to which matter can be divided and yet be perceived by 

 the senses, is wonderful. 



An ounce of gold may be divided into four hundred and thirty-two 

 thousand million parts. Each of these parts will retain all the characters 

 and qualities which are found in the largest masses' of metal. It retains 

 its solidity, texture, and color; it resists the same agents, and enters into 

 combination with the same substances. 



20 What is a particle of matter ? 



The term particle is also used to express^ sraZ com- 

 ponent parts of matter, but is generally applied to those 

 which are not too minute, to be discovered by obser- 

 vation. 



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