430 PROOFS OF DESIGN 



When we have in this manner traced back all kinds- of 

 mineral bodies, to the first and most simple condition of 

 their component Elements, we find these elements to have 

 been at all times regulated by the self-same system of fixed 

 and universal laws, which still maintains the mechanism 

 of the material world. In the operation of these laws we 

 recognise such direct and constant subserviency of means 

 to ends, so much of harmony, and order, and methodical 

 arrangement, in the physical properties and proportional 

 quantities, and chemical functions of the inorganic Ele- 

 ments, and we farther see such convincing evidence of 

 intelligence and foresight in the adaptation of these pri- 

 mordial Elements to an infinity of complex uses, under 

 many future systems of animal and vegetable organizations, 

 that we can find no reasonable account of the existence of 



arrangements under which the ordinary crystalline forms of minerals have 

 been produced, by the phenomena of a single species ; viz. the well-known 

 substance of Carbonate of Lime. 



We have more then five hundred varieties of secondary forms presented by 

 the crystals of this abundant earthy mineral. In each of these we trace a five- 

 fold series of subordinate relations of one system of combinations to another 

 system, under which every individual crystal has been adjusted by laws,, 

 acting correlatively to produce harmonious results. 



Every crystal of Carbonate of Lime is made up of millions of particles 

 of the same compound substance, having one invariable primary form, viz. 

 that of a rhomboidal solid, which may be obtained to an indefinite extent by 

 mechanical division. 



The integrent molecules these rhomboidal solids form the smallest par- 

 ticles to which the Limestone can be reduced without chemical decomposi- 

 tion. 



The first result of chemical analysis divides these integrant molecules of 

 Carbonate of Lime into two compound substances, namely, Quick Lime and 

 Carbonic Acid, each of which is made up of an incalculable number of con- 

 stituent molecules. 



A farther analysis of these constituent molecules shows that they also are 

 compound bodies, each made up of two elementary substances, viz. the Lime 

 made up of elementary molecules of the metal Calcium, and Oxygen; and 

 the Carbonic Acid, of elementary molecules of Carbon and Oxygen. 



These ultimate molecules of Calcium Carbon, and Oxygen, form the final 

 indivisible atoms into which every secondary crystal of Carbonate of Lime 

 Qau be resolved. 



