AIR. 63 



ment, as being that in which the atoms Jiave no con- 

 nexion, must be therefore the lightest and rarest. In 

 ^This element the poles must be fixed in the least degree, 

 and therefore change with the slightest operation. This 

 element is therefore moveable in all directions, is the most 

 unstable, and in form most similar to the aether. 



283. Active freedom from form predominates in it, i. e. 

 its atoms are constantly striving to withdraw from each 

 other, or the mass to extend. This endeavour is called 

 elasticity. Elasticity is none other than the endeavour 

 to become a greatest or interminable globe. The terres- 

 trial matter, with this striving towards an universal globe, 

 is called gas+ 



284. The formless internally moveable element, con- 

 tantly extending itself and changing its pole, is the Air. 



285. The air is the first terrestrial element, the first 

 degree of setherial condensation associated with the 

 feeblest fixation of poles, the constant change of which 

 is manifested in its electric relations. It corresponds 

 in every respect, in mobility, extension, general pene- 

 tration, &c., to heat. The air consists of a prepon- 

 derance of the body of heat or hydrogen (oxydulated as 

 nitrogen in the proportion of 79 by volume), and of a 

 fair quantity of the body of light or oxygen (21) ; also 

 of a very small amount of the body of gravity or carbon, 

 as evidenced in the carbonic acid. 



286. The air is a maximum of air, a medium of water, 

 and a minimuni of earth. 



287. As heat is not merely indifferent a?ther, nor 

 merely its motion or extension, but is the aether moved 

 by the polarity of light, so is the hydrogen gas in the 

 air not in a pure state, but converted by oxygen into 

 nitrogen. The air is in every respect therefore an element 

 that has undergone combustion, an oxyd of hydrogen 

 and carbon. 



288. The oxygen is that which is everywhere active, 

 exciting, moving, and vivifying everything ; it is the 

 light in the Terrestrial. The nitrogen is inert, as it were 

 mortified, and therefore mortifying or causing death ; the 



